Pakistan warns of self-defence response to Afghan terror threats

Pakistan told the UN Security Council it would respond to terrorist threats from Afghanistan when necessary. Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad said Pakistan would act in self-defence under international law. He said the country would protect its citizens and national security. Read More: Taliban must act against TTP, BLA or face self–defence action Ahmad said more than 4,700 Pakistanis had died in terrorism linked to Afghanistan over three years. He also accused Kabul of failing to take concrete action against militant groups operating from Afghan territory. According to him, several banned groups continue to operate from Afghanistan. The Pakistani envoy named Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan, Baloch Liberation Army and Islamic State-Khorasan among those groups. He also mentioned the East Turkestan Islamic Movement and their affiliates. Ahmad said external actors also support groups targeting Pakistan and other neighbouring countries. Meanwhile, a recent UN report said terrorist groups remain active in Afghanistan. The report also highlighted restrictions on women and girls and continuing economic pressures. It said armed groups opposing the Taliban claimed 88 attacks across 21 Afghan provinces between May and July. Read More: Pakistan rejects AI report over cross-border Afghan strikes, defends However, countries at the Security Council differed over how to engage with Afghanistan. The United States called for action over terrorism, detentions and restrictions on women. Russia supported pragmatic engagement with Afghan authorities, while China also urged continued dialogue. Pakistan said it had supported Afghanistan through humanitarian aid and regional cooperation. Ahmad said 687 humanitarian cargo trucks entered Afghanistan through Pakistan during the reporting period.