Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Munir Akram has called for decisive action against terrorism in the region while speaking at UN Security Council meeting on Afghanistan.
Adressing the event held in Qatar’s Doha on Saturday, Ambassador Akram highlighted the dangers of allowing impunity for terrorist groups in Afghanistan.
He noted that despite progress by the Afghan Interim Government in combating Daesh (ISKP), several other terrorist organizations, including Al-Qaeda and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, continue to operate freely.
He stressed that socio-economic development in Afghanistan cannot be achieved as long as these groups remain active.
“The elimination of terrorism within and from Afghanistan remains the highest priority for the international community, Afghanistan’s neighbours, and Afghanistan itself,” stated Ambassador Akram.
Akram described the TTP as the most direct and serious threat to Pakistan, detailing the group’s activities, which have resulted in hundreds of civilian and military casualties.
Despite Pakistan’s repeated calls for action against the TTP, he pointed out that no significant measures have been taken by Afghanistan.
“Unfortunately, despite promises, no meaningful action has been taken so far. TTP safe havens remain close to Pakistan’s borders. Cross-border attacks have continued, including one by a TTP associate that killed several Chinese engineers working on the Dasu hydro power project,” the Pakistani envoy told the 15-member Council.
Ambassador Akram urged the UN Security Council to press the Afghan Interim Government to sever ties with the TTP, prevent cross-border attacks against Pakistan, disarm TTP terrorists, and hand over TTP leaders to Pakistan.—APP
