Kabul/Islamabad | June 24, 2025 — Regional Collapse: As regional instability grows, Pakistan Afghanistan relations have taken center stage at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Pakistan delivered a powerful warning, urging the international community to act decisively to prevent Afghanistan’s collapse, which could trigger a much wider regional catastrophe.
Pakistan Raises Alarm at UNSC Over Afghan Threats
Speaking at the UNSC, Pakistan’s Ambassador Asim Iftikhar emphasized that no country has suffered more from Afghanistan’s post-2021 turmoil than Pakistan. He highlighted Pakistan’s burden of hosting millions of refugees, enduring relentless cross-border terrorism, and navigating worsening security conditions. The ambassador warned that Afghanistan’s ungoverned spaces continue to provide sanctuaries for militant groups, particularly the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
Asim Iftikhar pointed to growing concerns over NATO-grade weapons in the hands of militants and the involvement of India-backed proxies operating from Afghan territory. Citing ISPR sources, he revealed that Pakistani security forces had eliminated 54 TTP militants in April alone. He pressed for urgent international collaboration to dismantle these terror networks before the situation escalates further.
Regional Diplomacy Shows Glimmers of Hope
In a notable diplomatic effort, China, Pakistan, and Afghanistan resumed trilateral talks in Kabul. Pakistani Special Envoy Mohammad Sadiq and Chinese Envoy Yue Xiaoyong met with Afghan Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani to discuss security and economic cooperation. Haqqani stressed that regional peace requires mutual respect and constructive engagement.
All three nations agreed to hold the sixth round of the Afghanistan-China-Pakistan Trilateral Foreign Ministers’ Dialogue in Kabul. They pledged to prevent terrorist groups like TTP and ETIM from using Afghan soil to threaten regional security.
Economic Engagement Continues Despite Risks
Despite the security challenges, economic cooperation remains active. Afghan Commerce Minister Nooruddin Azizi welcomed Chinese and Pakistani investment in trade fairs, industrial parks, and special economic zones. Both countries expressed a strong interest in launching joint export-processing projects to promote mutual growth.
At the same time, the Taliban-led government reiterated its commitment to an economy-driven foreign policy. However, unresolved issues such as humanitarian aid and women’s rights continue to deter full international recognition.
Security analysts also warned that a wider Middle East conflict, especially between Iran and Israel could reignite instability in Afghanistan. This could lead to a fresh wave of Afghan refugees entering Pakistan, overwhelming its already strained infrastructure.
A Global Wake-Up Call
Ambassador Asim Iftikhar’s UNSC remarks served as a stark reminder that time is running out. He urged the global community to stabilize Afghanistan’s economy, revive its banking system, and unfreeze Afghan assets to avoid a humanitarian and geopolitical collapse.
Pakistan Afghanistan relations remain at the heart of South Asia’s future. Without collective, timely action, the entire region risks spiraling into deeper chaos.
