Washington D.C. | June 27, 2025— In a stark warning delivered during a congressional hearing on June 27, Representative Bill Huizenga, a Michigan Republican and Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on South and Central Asia, expressed deep concern over Afghanistan’s resurgence as a terrorist haven. Speaking in Washington, D.C., Huizenga underscored the rapidly deteriorating security landscape across South and Central Asia, nearly four years after the U.S. military withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021.

Afghanistan: A Reemerging Safe Haven for Terrorist Groups

During the subcommittee hearing titled “Assessing the Terror Threat Landscape in South and Central Asia and Examining Opportunities for Cooperation”, Rep. Huizenga criticized the Biden administration’s withdrawal from Afghanistan, calling it “ill-conceived” and “poorly executed.” He stressed that the Taliban’s return to power had transformed the region, reigniting threats from extremist groups like ISIS-K and Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

Despite commitments made in the Doha Agreement, Afghanistan is again serving as a launchpad for terrorists seeking safe refuge and global influence. Huizenga referenced the 2021 ISIS-K suicide bombing at Kabul’s Abbey Gate, noting that the threat from the group has significantly intensified since. Recent ISIS-K attacks in Moscow, Tehran, and a foiled plot aimed at the 2024 Paris Olympics highlight the group’s expanding international operations.

Pakistan Faces Direct Consequences of Regional Instability

Huizenga specifically warned that Pakistan is enduring its highest levels of terrorism-related violence in over a decade. He cited the TTP and Balochistan Liberation Army as major contributors to this volatile situation. The lawmaker acknowledged recent cooperation between Washington and Islamabad, notably the arrest and extradition of an ISIS-K operative involved in the Abbey Gate bombing. Still, he emphasized the urgency of continued collaboration to counter shared threats.

A deadly militant attack in Pahalgam and another in Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 people—mostly tourists, further illustrated the destabilizing impact of terrorism in the region. Huizenga cautioned that such events risk escalating tensions between nuclear-armed neighbors, Pakistan and India.

Pakistan’s Persistent Warnings at the United Nations

Notably, Pakistan has consistently voiced its concerns at various United Nations Security Council (UNSC) briefings. As a frontline state and closest victim of Afghan-based terrorism, Pakistan has urged the international community to hold the Taliban accountable for harboring terrorist elements. Islamabad has repeatedly highlighted how unchecked militancy across the Durand Line threatens both regional and global peace.

In conclusion, Rep. Huizenga called for a comprehensive reassessment of U.S. counterterrorism tools and strategies. He emphasized that safeguarding South and Central Asia from escalating threats requires robust engagement with regional partners, including Pakistan.