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. This decision was supported by all 15 member states, including Pakistan, which used the occasion to voice serious concerns over the alarming increase in terrorism originating from Afghan territory.
During the session on the renewal of UNAMA’s mandate, Ambassador Usman Jadoon, Pakistan’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, expressed Islamabad’s full backing for the extension. He emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to UNAMA’s critical role in fostering peace, security, and stability in Afghanistan, a country grappling with a complex array of challenges. These include persistent terrorism, ongoing human rights issues, the narcotics trade, and a significant reduction in humanitarian assistance.
Ambassador Jadoon also praised China for its diligent efforts as the penholder of the resolution, highlighting the sincerity and dedication with which it worked to build consensus among Security Council members. The unanimous adoption of the resolution was welcomed as a positive step towards addressing Afghanistan’s multifaceted crisis.
Turning to the security situation, the Pakistani envoy underscored that the most pressing concern remains the deteriorating security environment within Afghanistan. He pointed out an exponential rise in terrorist activities emanating from Afghan soil, facilitated by elements within the Taliban regime. Jadoon, these factions are either actively collaborating with or providing a permissive environment for various extremist groups, including 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 groups reportedly operate with near impunity, carrying out cross-border attacks targeting Pakistani civilians, law enforcement agencies, and critical infrastructure. Ambassador Jadoon highlighted that the Security Council’s resolution explicitly expresses concern over these terrorist organizations, recognizing them as ongoing threats to international peace and security. The resolution calls on the Taliban to take swift, tangible, and verifiable actions to combat terrorism within Afghanistan’s borders.
Furthermore, the resolution emphasizes the importance of securely managing weapons and ammunition stockpiles to prevent their diversion to militant groups. Ambassador Jadoon stressed that UNAMA must play a proactive role in monitoring and analyzing these security dynamics. He urged the mission to deepen its understanding of Afghanistan’s illicit economy, which fuels the conflict, and to support efforts aimed at curbing the illegal flow of arms.
In addition to security concerns, Jadoon warned against the spread of disinformation by certain local Taliban factions, which he said hampers UNAMA’s ability to operate freely and access various parts of the country. He called for the mission to maintain an objective stance in its reporting, ensuring that the perspectives and concerns of Afghanistan’s neighboring countries are duly considered.
Concluding his remarks, Ambassador Jadoon expressed hope that the upcoming three-month period would provide an opportunity to reassess UNAMA’s mandate in a manner that contributes to sustainable peace and stability in Afghanistan. He envisioned a future where Afghanistan could live peacefully within its own borders and maintain harmonious relations with its neighbors, including Pakistan.
Meanwhile, the unanimous extension of UNAMA’s mandate reflects the international community’s continued commitment to supporting Afghanistan during this turbulent period. It is worth noting that the mission’s work remains crucial in addressing the humanitarian crisis and facilitating dialogue among various stakeholders in the region.
