A new UN Security Council report (S/2025/796) has delivered its clearest assessment about Afghanistan under Taliban rule remains a hub for more than 20 international and regional terrorist groups, with threats spilling across borders despite Kabul’s repeated denials.
The monitoring team states plainly that “the de facto authorities continue to deny that any terrorist groups operate in or from its territory. Such claims are not credible.”
ISKP, TTP, Al-Qaida: A regional threat matrix rooted inside Afghanistan
The UN report details a layered network of militant groups entrenched throughout Afghanistan, contradicting Taliban claims of full control.
It notes that “Member State reporting… indicates that a range of terrorist groups still operate in the country.”
ISIL-K (ISKP): Resilient, expanding, and externally focused
Despite Taliban assurances, the UN finds that “ISIL-K remains resilient” and that “the Taliban has been unable to completely eliminate ISIL-K hideouts.”
The group is assessed as “the greatest terrorist threat emanating from Afghanistan,” with active recruitment, including “indoctrinated children… 14 years of age,” and cells capable of external attacks.
The report also warns that ISKP infiltration inside Taliban structures may be substantial, stating that the extent “is unknown but is considered to be extensive.”
TTP: The largest and most immediate danger to Pakistan
For Pakistan, the report’s findings are blunt: the TTP is operating openly.
The UN confirms that “TTP has conducted numerous high-profile attacks against Pakistan from Afghan soil,” and that the Taliban continues “harbouring TTP leadership in Afghanistan and facilitating TTP operations.”
The group maintains around 6,000 fighters, primarily in eastern Afghan provinces and has carried out “more than 600 attacks in Pakistan in 2025.”
Most alarming, “a majority of those conducting suicide bombings in Pakistan were reported to be Afghans.”
Al-Qaida: Embedded, protected, and aligned with anti-Pakistan networks
The UN notes that the Taliban “continue to host and support the group,” with “senior Al-Qaida commanders… living in Kabul.” A
QIS, which now “focuses increasingly on Pakistan,” is deeply integrated into TTP structures, “providing training” and operational support.
Regional Spillover: Stability through control is not peace through resolution
The UN assessment underscores that Afghanistan’s “surface stability” masks structural fragility and rising regional risk. It confirms that “regional Member States generally see Afghanistan as a source of insecurity.”
New front groups have also emerged to attack Pakistan with plausible deniability.
One such group, Ittihad-ul-Mujahideen Pakistan, is described by the UN as “a front for elements of TTP and AQIS,” which has already “claimed over 150 attacks” this year.
Similarly, ETIM/TIP maintains training and weapons links with TTP, “cooperating… through personnel training, weapons and financing.” This directly threatens Chinese and Central Asian interests.
Conclusion: Denials cannot substitute for action
The UN report validates what Pakistan has consistently warned. Afghanistan hosts a dense network of militant groups capable of destabilizing the entire region.
Taliban assurances of total control cannot replace verifiable measures, particularly when the UN finds “more than 20 terrorist organizations” operating freely under their watch.
The region needs stability built on accountability not narratives, not denials, and not claims that conflict has ended. Stability imposed through control is not the same as peace sustained through resolution.
Read more: TTP Primary Source of Cross-Border Attacks, Says UN
