The United Nations Security Council unanimously approved a three-month extension of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) mandate on Monday, with all 15 member states, including Pakistan, lending their support to the resolution. This decision comes amid growing concerns over security challenges emanating from Afghanistan, particularly the alarming increase in terrorist activities targeting Pakistan from across the border.
During the session, Pakistan’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Usman Jadoon, expressed Islamabad’s firm backing for the continuation of UNAMA’s mission. He emphasized Pakistan’s recognition of the mission’s critical role in fostering peace, security, and stability within Afghanistan, a country grappling with a complex array of issues such as terrorism, human rights violations, the narcotics trade, and a significant decline in humanitarian assistance. Ambassador Jadoon also praised China’s constructive involvement as the penholder of the resolution, highlighting Beijing’s sincere efforts to build consensus among Security Council members, which ultimately led to the unanimous adoption of the mandate extension.
Shifting focus to the security situation, Ambassador Jadoon underscored Pakistan’s longstanding position that the most pressing challenge in Afghanistan remains the worsening security environment and the sharp escalation of terrorist activities originating from Afghan territory. He pointed out that factions within the Taliban administration are either actively cooperating with or providing a permissive environment for various militant 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 operate with near impunity and have been responsible for numerous cross-border attacks targeting Pakistani civilians, law enforcement agencies, and critical infrastructure, thereby exacerbating regional instability.
Ambassador Jadoon further highlighted that the Security Council’s resolution explicitly voiced concern over the persistent threat posed by these terrorist organizations to international peace and security. The resolution called upon the Taliban authorities to take immediate, tangible, and effective actions to combat terrorism within their borders. Additionally, it stressed the importance of securely managing weapons and ammunition stockpiles to prevent their diversion to extremist groups, a measure crucial for curbing the flow of arms that fuel violence in the region.
Regarding UNAMA’s operational responsibilities, Ambassador Jadoon stressed the necessity for the mission to closely monitor and analyze the evolving security dynamics in Afghanistan. He advocated for enhanced efforts to understand the illicit economy, which includes drug trafficking and illegal arms smuggling, as these factors significantly undermine stability. Moreover, he urged UNAMA to support initiatives aimed at controlling the illegal flow of weapons and facilitating the safe reintegration of refugees displaced by ongoing conflict. However, he also cautioned against misinformation propagated by certain Taliban factions, which has hindered UNAMA’s ability to access various parts of the country and carry out its mandate effectively.
In conclusion, Ambassador Jadoon expressed Pakistan’s hope that the upcoming three-month period would provide an opportunity to reassess UNAMA’s role in a manner that contributes to lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan. He emphasized the importance of Afghanistan achieving a state of internal peace and harmonious relations with its neighboring countries, which is vital for regional security and prosperity. Pakistan remains committed to supporting efforts that promote a peaceful, stable, and secure Afghanistan, free from the scourge of terrorism and conflict.
