Pakistan was at the center of international concern this week as both China and the United Nations warned about the growing spread of terrorist threats from Afghanistan and their impact on regional security.
Speaking at a United Nations briefing on counter-terrorism, China’s ambassador to the UN said that while Central Asia remains mostly stable, it continues to suffer from the spillover of terrorism.
He pointed to recent attacks in Afghanistan and Pakistan saying these incidents demand serious attention and vigilance.
The Chinese envoy echoed Pakistan’s long-standing concerns and stressed the need for closer cooperation with the Afghan authorities. He said Afghanistan must not be allowed to once again become a safe haven for militant groups and warned that foreign fighters returning to the region pose a serious risk.
A day earlier, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres raised similar concerns in New York.
While reaffirming the UN’s commitment to Afghanistan, he expressed frustration over the Taliban’s failure to meet international expectations, particularly on inclusivity, women’s rights and regional security.
Guterres said Afghan institutions must represent all ethnic groups and sections of society if lasting peace is to be achieved.
He also criticized restrictions on women, noting that the UN still faces limits on where female staff can work in Afghanistan.
On security, the UN chief said it was essential to ensure that no terrorist group operates from Afghan soil to attack other countries. He specifically highlighted the growing threat posed by the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and concerns over the support it may be receiving.
Islamabad has repeatedly urged the international community to press Kabul to stop militants from using Afghan territory warning that peace in the region depends on stability in Afghanistan.
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