UNITED NATIONS, Sep 19 (Alliance News): During a UN Security Council debate on Afghanistan, Pakistani Ambassador Munir Akram highlighted the growing threat posed by the Tehrik-e-Taliban (TTP), which he described as an umbrella organization for various terrorist groups aiming to destabilize Afghanistan’s neighbors.
He emphasized that the TTP, which operates with the protection of Afghan rulers, poses a significant threat not only to Pakistan but to the entire region.
“The TTP (known as Fitna Al Khawarij in Pakistan) is of particular concern to us and should be to the entire world,” Akram stated, citing the group’s deadly cross-border attacks that have claimed numerous lives.
Despite efforts to combat Daesh, Akram warned that a strengthened TTP could soon become an even greater threat.
Akram underscored that the dire situation in Afghanistan persists three years after the Taliban’s takeover, with ongoing issues such as terrorism, human rights violations, political exclusion, and illegal migration impeding normalization.
He pointed out that the UN has described the TTP as “the largest terrorist group” in Afghanistan, receiving support from the Taliban for cross-border attacks into Pakistan.
The Pakistani envoy also condemned the Afghan Interim Government’s (AIG) violations of human rights, particularly against women and girls, and called out the regime for failing to meet its commitments and issuing new directives that suppress female voices.
Akram reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to supporting a peaceful Afghanistan and urged for greater political inclusivity as essential for stability.
Humanitarian Crisis and Economic Support
Akram expressed deep concern over the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, noting that 23.7 million Afghans are in urgent need of assistance. He called for immediate and unconditional international aid to fully fund the Afghanistan Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan, which currently has received less than 25% of the required funds.
He also emphasized the need for economic revival in Afghanistan, advocating for the revival of the Afghan banking system, resolution of the liquidity crisis, and unfreezing of national reserves.
Pakistan is committed to enhancing trade and commercial relations with Afghanistan and supporting regional infrastructure and connectivity projects.
