RASC News Agency: China and the United Nations have warned about the rising risk of terrorist activities spilling over from Afghanistan into Pakistan, stressing that militant violence in the region requires urgent international attention.
At a meeting titled “Central Asia Counterterrorism Early Warning Network,” China’s ambassador to the United Nations, Sun Lei, said that although Central Asia remains relatively stable, it is still affected by cross-border terrorist threats. Referring to recent attacks in Syria, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, he stated:
“These developments require our highest vigilance, and close cooperation with Kabul is essential to prevent Afghanistan’s territory from once again becoming a safe haven for terrorist groups.”
According to Pakistan’s Dawn News, Sun also emphasized the role of economic development in reducing extremism, saying:
“The swift implementation of the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda is vital to eliminate the root causes of terrorism.”
A day earlier in New York, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres voiced similar concerns, expressing dissatisfaction with the Taliban’s limited progress on social inclusion, human rights, and regional security. He said:
“Afghanistan’s institutions must be genuinely inclusive and represent all ethnic groups and sectors of society. This is a fundamental prerequisite for lasting peace.”
Guterres also warned about restrictions imposed on Afghanistani women, adding:
“While female UN staff can operate in the field, their presence at UN headquarters is restricted. This situation is disappointing and unacceptable.”
He further highlighted the threat posed by militant groups based in Afghanistan:
“One of our key concerns is ensuring that no terrorist group uses Afghanistan to carry out operations in other countries. We are particularly worried about the possible encouragement and support for Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).”
While noting limited progress in combating narcotics trafficking since the Taliban’s return to power, Guterres said the group has failed to improve security and human rights in other areas:
“In three other key areas, despite legitimate requests from the international community, we see no meaningful progress. This is deeply disappointing.”
Pakistan has experienced a sharp rise in terrorist attacks in recent years, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. Authorities say much of the violence is linked to militant infiltration from Afghanistan. Analysts believe the resurgence of the TTP and allied groups has fueled domestic attacks, with Afghanistan’s territory being used as a safe haven.
Islamabad has repeatedly urged the international community to increase pressure on the Taliban to prevent Afghanistan’s soil from being used by militants against Pakistan, warning that regional and global security are closely tied to stability in Afghanistan.
