Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, on Monday said Islamabad would not allow any attempt to support terrorism or undermine its national security, accusing India of pursuing policies aimed at destabilising Pakistan through militant groups operating from Afghan territory.
Speaking during a right of reply at the UN Security Council, Ambassador Asim said Pakistan was fully aware of what he described as India’s intentions and had successfully countered such efforts in the past.
“Pakistan is well aware of India’s motives and designs. We will not allow any attempt to support terrorists and threaten our national security. We have stopped such efforts before and will continue to do so whenever necessary,” he said.
The envoy highlighted Pakistan’s support for Afghanistan through humanitarian assistance, political engagement and dialogue initiatives. He said Islamabad had also facilitated bilateral trade and provided transit concessions to help the neighbouring country.
Ambassador Asim noted that Pakistan had hoped the Afghan Taliban administration would evolve into a responsible governing authority capable of leading Afghanistan towards stability and development.
However, he said terrorism remained a persistent challenge in Afghanistan, with repercussions extending beyond its borders and affecting regional security.
He told the Security Council that Afghan territory continued to be used by militant groups, including the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), the Majeed Brigade, Daesh-Khorasan and the East Turkestan Islamic Movement.
The Pakistani envoy said Islamabad had expected the Taliban authorities to take effective action against these groups but had been disappointed by what he termed a failure to address Pakistan’s legitimate security concerns and those of other countries in the region.
Referring to the security situation, Ambassador Asim said terrorism originating from Afghan territory continued to claim Pakistani lives, including those of women, children and security personnel.
He said more than 1,200 Pakistanis were killed in terrorist attacks last year and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to taking all necessary measures to safeguard its national security.
