Speaking at a meeting of the United Nations Security Council, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative Asim Iftikhar Ahmad said Afghanistan had become a sanctuary for terrorist groups and their proxies.
Terrorism a Regional Threat
Ambassador Asim Iftikhar stated that terrorism emanating from Afghan soil threatens not only Pakistan but also the broader region and international peace.
He warned that the spillover effects of terrorism would not remain confined to Pakistan if the situation continues unchecked.
According to the envoy, cross-border attacks have targeted:
Pakistani border posts
Law enforcement agencies
civilian infrastructure, including places of worship and schools
He also revealed that Pakistani security forces have recovered large quantities of sophisticated military equipment left behind by foreign forces in Afghanistan during counter-terrorism operations.
Pakistan Vows Defensive Measures
The ambassador emphasized that Pakistan would take all necessary defensive steps to protect its citizens, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“Our counter-terrorism operations will continue for as long as it takes to degrade the capabilities of terrorist groups and their support infrastructure,” he said.
Response to Afghanistan and India
Responding to statements by representatives of Afghanistan and India, Asim Iftikhar clarified that Pakistan’s counter-terrorism actions are not directed against the Afghan people, but are focused solely on neutralizing militant threats.
He stressed that Pakistan’s actions are consistent with international humanitarian law and the right to self-defence.
The envoy further accused India of supporting destabilising activities from Afghan territory, urging New Delhi to abandon policies that, he said, fuel terrorism inside Pakistan.