The United Nations Security Council unanimously agreed on Monday to extend the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) for an additional three months. All 15 member states, including Pakistan, supported this decision, reflecting a shared commitment to maintaining international engagement in Afghanistan during a period of heightened instability. Pakistan, however, used the occasion to emphasize the alarming increase in terrorist activities originating from Afghan soil that continue to threaten regional security.
During the formal adoption of the resolution, Ambassador Usman Jadoon, Pakistan’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, expressed Islamabad’s full backing for the short-term extension of UNAMA’s mandate. He highlighted Pakistan’s recognition of the mission’s critical role in fostering peace, security, and stability in Afghanistan—a country grappling with a complex array of challenges. These include persistent terrorism, serious human rights violations, widespread narcotics trafficking, and a significant reduction in humanitarian assistance, all of which contribute to the fragile situation on the ground.
Ambassador Jadoon also praised China’s diplomatic efforts as the penholder of the resolution, describing Beijing’s role in building consensus among Security Council members as both sincere and constructive. The unanimous adoption of the resolution was welcomed as a positive step forward, underscoring the international community’s continued engagement with Afghanistan despite the difficult circumstances.
Turning to the security landscape, the Pakistani envoy underscored that the most pressing issue remains the deteriorating security environment within Afghanistan. He pointed to an exponential rise in terrorist activities emanating from Afghan territory, which Pakistan has consistently highlighted as a major concern. Ambassador Jadoon accused certain factions within the Taliban regime of either actively collaborating with or providing a permissive environment for various extremist groups. These include the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), Majeed Brigade, Daesh-Khorasan (Daesh-K), Al Qaeda, and the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM).
These militant organizations reportedly operate with near impunity inside Afghanistan and are responsible for launching cross-border attacks targeting Pakistani civilians, law enforcement personnel, and critical infrastructure. The ambassador’s remarks drew attention to the ongoing threat these groups pose not only to Pakistan’s internal security but also to regional peace and stability.
In reference to the resolution itself, Ambassador Jadoon noted that the Security Council had explicitly expressed concern over terrorist groups that continue to jeopardize international peace and security. The resolution calls on the Taliban authorities to take immediate, tangible, and demonstrable actions to combat terrorism within their borders. Furthermore, it stresses the importance of securely managing weapons and ammunition stockpiles to prevent their diversion to these violent groups, a measure seen as vital to curbing the flow of arms fueling insurgency and militancy.
Regarding UNAMA’s operational role, the Pakistani diplomat emphasized the mission’s responsibility to closely monitor and analyze evolving security dynamics across Afghanistan. He urged the mission to deepen its understanding of the illicit economy, which plays a significant role in sustaining armed groups, and to support initiatives aimed at curbing illegal arms trafficking. Additionally, UNAMA should work towards creating conditions conducive to the safe reintegration of refugees displaced by ongoing conflict.
Ambassador Jadoon also raised concerns about disinformation campaigns allegedly propagated by local Taliban elements, which are reportedly hindering UNAMA’s ability to access various parts of the country. He stressed the importance of the mission maintaining objectivity in its reporting, ensuring that it reflects the perspectives and concerns of Afghanistan’s neighboring countries, including Pakistan.
In conclusion, Pakistan expressed hope that the upcoming three-month period would provide an opportunity to review and potentially recalibrate UNAMA’s mandate. The goal remains to support a sustainable peace process that leads to long-term stability in Afghanistan, enabling the country to live peacefully within its own borders and in harmony with its neighbors. This stance reflects Islamabad’s broader interest in a stable and secure Afghanistan, which is crucial for regional security and economic development.
