Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, asserted that Islamabad is fully aware of India’s intentions and malicious strategies, emphasizing that Pakistan will not tolerate any efforts to support terrorism or threaten its national security. Speaking during a Right of Reply at the UN Security Council, the ambassador accused India of pursuing policies aimed at destabilizing Pakistan by backing militant groups operating from Afghan territory.
He highlighted that Pakistan has previously countered such attempts and remains committed to doing so whenever necessary. “Pakistan is fully conscious of India’s motives and harmful designs. We will not permit them to nurture terrorists or jeopardize our national security. We have stopped them before, and we will continue to do so,” he stated firmly.
Ambassador Asim also underscored Pakistan’s support for the Afghan people through humanitarian aid, political engagement, and dialogue initiatives. He noted Islamabad’s role in facilitating bilateral trade and providing transit concessions to assist Afghanistan’s development.
He expressed hope that the Taliban would mature into a responsible governing body, steering Afghanistan toward stability and progress. However, he pointed out that terrorism has plagued Afghanistan for decades, impacting neighboring countries and the broader region. Afghan territory remains a refuge for terrorist organizations such as Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), the Majeed Brigade, Daesh-Khorasan, and the East Turkestan Islamic Movement.
The envoy criticized the Taliban authorities for failing to take decisive action against these groups despite Pakistan’s expectations and concerns. He emphasized that the legitimate security worries of Pakistan and other nations have been disregarded by the Afghan administration.
In his Right of Reply, Ambassador Asim stressed that terrorism originating from Afghanistan continues to severely affect Pakistan, resulting in the loss of hundreds of lives, including women, children, and security personnel. He revealed that over 1,200 Pakistanis were killed in terrorist attacks last year alone. The ambassador reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to take all necessary measures to safeguard its national security.
