UNITED NATIONS: Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, told the UN Security Council that Islamabad would not allow any threat to its national security and accused India of pursuing policies aimed at destabilising Pakistan through militant groups operating from Afghan territory.
Speaking during a Right of Reply at a Security Council meeting, the Pakistani envoy said Islamabad was fully aware of what he described as India’s efforts to support terrorist activities against Pakistan and would continue to take measures to counter such threats.
Ambassador Asim said Pakistan has consistently supported Afghanistan through humanitarian assistance, political engagement, trade facilitation and transit concessions, while hoping that the Taliban administration would evolve into a responsible governing authority capable of ensuring stability and development.
He, however, expressed concern over the continued presence of terrorist organisations operating from Afghan soil, naming the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), Majeed Brigade, Daesh-Khorasan and the East Turkestan Islamic Movement among the groups posing security challenges.
The envoy said Pakistan had expected the Afghan authorities to take effective action against these groups but maintained that Islamabad’s security concerns had not been adequately addressed.
Addressing the Security Council, Ambassador Asim said terrorism emanating from Afghanistan continues to affect Pakistan, resulting in significant civilian and security force casualties.
He added that more than 1,200 Pakistanis were killed in terrorist attacks last year and reiterated that Pakistan would continue taking all necessary measures to safeguard its national security and protect its citizens.