Arshad Mahmood Awan
Pakistan has long borne the brunt of terrorist attacks emanating from Afghanistan, yet the Afghan Taliban have largely ignored these threats, allowing groups like the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K) to operate freely across borders. At a recent meeting of the ISIL and Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee at the UN Security Council, Denmark, as chair of the committee, highlighted the TTP as a “serious threat” to Central and South Asia, noting that these terrorists continue to receive “logistical and substantial support” from Afghan authorities. Frequent cross-border attacks targeting Pakistan were emphasised, while IS-K was described as an emerging threat in the region, operating from Afghan territory but opposing the Taliban.
During the same forum, Pakistan’s representative criticised both the Taliban and India for enabling these terrorist networks. He observed that groups such as TTP and Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) were thriving “under the patronage of their hosts” and were supported by “our principal adversary and net destabiliser in the region.” The statement drew attention to the international recognition of Pakistan’s longstanding concerns regarding cross-border terrorism and the Taliban’s unwillingness to take effective action against militants targeting Pakistan.
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The UN Security Council’s Sanctions Committee has reaffirmed what Pakistan has been stressing for years: Afghan territory is being used as a safe haven for terrorist groups that pose a direct threat to Pakistan and the wider region. The Taliban’s responses have ranged from denial to obfuscation, with claims that TTP members are merely “Pakistani refugees” or that no TTP fighters are present on Afghan soil. However, the international community is increasingly sceptical of these assertions, and the Taliban’s dismissive attitude is losing credibility.
Pakistan’s position is clear: while recognising the ideological and operational overlap between the Taliban and TTP, it is entirely reasonable to expect the Kabul regime to prevent cross-border attacks. Constructive engagement with Pakistan is necessary, not only to safeguard bilateral relations but also to prevent further regional destabilisation. The recent Istanbul peace talks ended inconclusively, though the existing ceasefire has held, suggesting that cooperation is still possible if both sides adopt pragmatic measures.
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Failure by the Taliban to act against the TTP and IS-K will likely force Pakistan to maintain a firm security posture, while avoiding any escalation that could further deteriorate people-to-people ties and bilateral cooperation. In this context, a balanced approach that addresses immediate security concerns without jeopardising diplomacy is critical. Pakistan’s strategic patience demonstrates its willingness to resolve issues while safeguarding national security interests.
If bilateral relations with Kabul sour further, regional adversaries are poised to exploit these differences, creating additional security challenges for Pakistan. Maintaining dialogue and enforcing accountability for cross-border terrorism is therefore a shared responsibility. Pakistan has emphasised that militant sanctuaries in Afghanistan are a threat not only to Pakistan but to the stability of South and Central Asia, highlighting the interconnected nature of regional security.
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In conclusion, Pakistan’s message to the international community is unambiguous: the Afghan Taliban must act decisively against terrorist groups operating from their territory. Constructive cooperation, adherence to ceasefire agreements, and tangible measures to curb TTP and IS-K activity are necessary to prevent further destabilisation. The global community must recognise the seriousness of the threat and support efforts that promote security and stability in the region.
