New York (Web Desk): Pakistan on Wednesday told the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) that it had identified a “deep nexus” between the Taliban and militant organisations including the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), claiming that attacks linked to terrorism originating in Afghanistan had resulted in the deaths of 4,700 Pakistanis during the past three years. Islamabad also said the Taliban authorities had failed to take meaningful action against these groups.
“The situation is made worse by external actors, the spoilers who support proxies inside Afghanistan to target Pakistan and other neighbouring countries,” Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, said during a Security Council discussion on Afghanistan, in an obvious reference to India.
Terrorism has been at the core of Afghanistan’s problems. This finds its roots in the deep nexus between the Taliban and terrorist groups such as the TTP, BLA and its Majeed Brigade, ISIL-K, ETIM, and their affiliates that are operating with impunity on Afghan soil and the situation made worse by external actors, the spoilers who support proxies inside Afghanistan to target Pakistan and other neighboring countries. That is the unfortunate reality on the ground—and it is Pakistan that is most directly impacted, paying a heavy cost. Over the last three years alone, more than 4,700 innocent Pakistanis have lost their lives to terrorism emanating from Afghanistan. Pakistan cannot sit idle in the face of this terrorist onslaught. We will respond in self-defense, as and when needed and in accordance with international law. Statement by Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the UN, at the Meeting of the UN Security Council on the Situation in Afghanistan Please watch the full statement below
— Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the UN (@PakistanUN_NY) September 16, 2026
The Pakistani envoy said Islamabad would not remain inactive while facing what he described as a continuing terrorist threat. “We will respond in self-defense, as and when needed and in accordance with international law.”
He also raised concerns over the substantial stockpiles of weapons and ammunition that remained in Afghanistan after international forces withdrew and urged the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) to monitor and document the unlawful circulation of small arms and light weapons. He additionally called for reporting on illegal financial activity carried out through hawala networks.
Pakistan, he said, had continued to contribute to Afghanistan’s efforts toward stability through political engagement, humanitarian support and regional cooperation. However, the Pakistani envoy noted that the earlier optimism had increasingly been replaced by apprehension as Afghanistan once again became a refuge for terrorist elements.
At the beginning of the debate, Georgette Gagnon, UNAMA’s Deputy Special Representative and Officer-in-Charge, told the 15-member Security Council that Afghanistan had reached a decisive point five years after the Taliban returned to power.
“Key risks to Afghanistan’s stability are accumulating, and they mainly stem from the de facto authorities’ own policies,” she pointed out.
Gagnon emphasised that peace could not simply be measured by the absence of fighting. The country, she said, needed conditions that provided dignity, inclusion, opportunities and hope for its people.
In his address, Ambassador Asim Ahmad said the international community’s expectations at the time of the Taliban takeover five years ago had not been realised, with optimism eventually giving way to frustration and disappointment.
“We agree with the assessment (in the Secretary-General’s report) that the risks associated with human rights violations, lack of political inclusivity, acute economic pressure, and the increasing terrorist threat from Afghanistan are a cause of grave concern for the international community,” Ambassador Asim Ahmad said, while highlighting indicators that showed a downward trend amid Afghanistan’s mounting difficulties.
Pakistan had expected the Taliban authorities to take practical and verifiable measures against terrorist organisations, he said, but those expectations remained unfulfilled.
The worsening humanitarian conditions and growing concerns over human rights were also cited as signs of what Pakistan described as the Taliban’s continued failure to meet their international responsibilities.
Ambassador Asim Ahmad further said that the restrictions imposed by the Taliban on women and girls were contrary to Islamic principles.
He recalled that Pakistan had hosted millions of Afghan refugees for more than four decades despite receiving inadequate international assistance.
At the same time, the country had dealt with a large number of undocumented Afghans and other illegal residents, which he said had created significant security challenges. “We continue to facilitate vulnerable Afghans numbering thousands, despite limitations.”
“Peace and stability in Afghanistan is in Pakistan’s national interest, Ambassador Asim Ahmad said, adding, “Lasting peace and prosperity would require the Taliban to demonstrate responsible behaviour to be seen as a reliable partner in the region and for the wider international community.”