Pakistan: Pakistan's Permanent Representative to the UN, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, has raised concerns about Afghanistan serving as a haven for terrorist groups and proxies. Addressing the UN Security Council meeting on the situation in Afghanistan, Ahmad highlighted the significant threat posed by terrorism originating from Afghan soil, which jeopardizes not only Afghanistan's immediate neighbors but also the broader region and international peace and security.
According to Radio Pakistan, the Ambassador emphasized that the repercussions of terrorism nurtured in Afghanistan are not confined to Pakistan. He stressed that Pakistan will take decisive action in response to terrorist attacks targeting its border posts, law enforcement agencies, and civilian infrastructure, which include places of worship and schools. Ahmad revealed that during counter-terrorism operations, Pakistan has seized substantial caches of sophisticated military-grade equipment left behind by foreign forces in Afghanistan.
Asim Iftikhar Ahmad assured that Pakistan will undertake all necessary defensive measures to protect its citizens, territory, and sovereignty. He affirmed that counter-terrorism operations would persist until the combat capabilities of terrorist groups and their support infrastructure are significantly degraded.
In response to the remarks from representatives of Afghanistan and India, Ahmad clarified that Pakistan's counter-terrorism efforts are aimed solely at neutralizing the ongoing terrorist threat from Afghan territory and are not directed against the Afghan people. He reiterated that these actions align with the right to self-defense and international humanitarian law.
Ahmad further criticized India's role in Afghanistan, accusing it of being a spoiler. He urged India to cease its alleged policy of fostering terrorism inside Pakistan from Afghan soil, warning that Pakistan will not tolerate such acts of sabotage and subversion.