A senior Pakistani diplomat has warned the UN Security Council that banned Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), operating from Afghan territory, poses a grave threat to Pakistan’s national security.

Speaking during a debate on the situation in Afghanistan, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, said the presence of the 6,000-strong TTP—operating from safe havens near the Pakistani border—remains a major concern.

“Terrorism emanating from Afghanistan remains a serious threat to its neighbours, particularly Pakistan,” he said.

Ambassador Asim Iftikhar said that terrorist groups such as banned Al-Qaeda, banned TTP, and various Baloch militant outfits continue to exploit ungoverned spaces in Afghanistan to launch cross-border attacks.

He said Pakistani security forces had recently neutralized 54 TTP terrorists attempting to infiltrate Pakistan in April—a development that underscores the seriousness of the danger.

Moreover, he added that Pakistan has seized large quantities of modern weapons, left behind by international forces after their withdrawal from Afghanistan four years ago, which have now found their way into the hands of terrorist groups.

He said Pakistan has credible evidence of collaboration between banned TTP and other groups like the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and its Majeed Brigade, aimed at targeting strategic infrastructure and economic projects across the country.

The Pakistani envoy also expressed concern about potential regional destabilization following unprovoked Israeli attacks on Iran, warning of a possible refugee exodus into neighbouring countries, including Pakistan and Afghanistan.

“A refugee influx could pose serious new challenges and further strain the already fragile situation in the region,” he said.

He emphasized that Pakistan has long hosted millions of Afghan refugees and continues to bear the burden of regional instability.

Since August 2021, he noted, over one million undocumented Afghans have crossed into Pakistan, creating additional law-and-order and humanitarian challenges.

He urged the international community to share this burden more equitably.

Ambassador Asim Iftikhar reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to a peaceful and stable Afghanistan. He said Pakistan supports efforts to stabilize Afghanistan’s economy, including reviving its banking sector and unfreezing its financial assets.

“Despite our own constraints, Pakistan remains committed to pragmatic engagement in expanding trade and pursuing key regional connectivity initiatives,” he said, citing high-level interactions with the de facto Taliban authorities, including efforts led by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar.

He said Pakistan welcomes UN-led efforts, including the Doha Process, for a structured dialogue with the Afghan authorities.

Also, he stressed that such engagement must address regional security concerns and be grounded in a comprehensive and inclusive framework, as outlined in the UN’s independent assessment report.

Ambassador Asim Iftikhar also voiced concern over the ongoing restrictions on women and girls in Afghanistan, calling them inconsistent with international norms and Islamic traditions. He said Pakistan continues to support educational opportunities for Afghan youth, including the third phase of the Allama Iqbal Scholarship Programme, which is currently benefitting 4,500 Afghan students—one-third of whom are women.

He emphasized that Pakistan desires a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Afghanistan and remains ready to assist in constructive international engagement.

“As two immediate neighbours bound by history, geography, ethnicity, language, faith, and culture, our destinies are deeply intertwined,” he said. “Pakistan stands committed to playing a constructive and proactive role in helping Afghanistan achieve lasting peace and stability.”