Aware of India’s evil designs, response will be decisive: Pakistan tells UN

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has told the United Nations Security Council that it is fully aware of what it described as India’s designs and will not permit any effort to back militant groups or endanger its national security.

Speaking during a right of reply at the UN Security Council, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, said India was following policies aimed at destabilising Pakistan through armed groups operating from Afghan territory. He said Pakistan had thwarted such attempts before and would continue to respond when required.

"Pakistan is well aware of India's motives and evil designs. But we will not allow them to nourish terrorists and threaten our national security. I would say that we have stopped them before and we will do it again, and we will do it always," Ambassador Asim said.

Pakistan raises concerns over militancy from Afghan soil

The envoy said Pakistan had supported the people of Afghanistan through humanitarian aid, political engagement and dialogue efforts. He added that Islamabad had also facilitated bilateral trade and granted transit concessions to assist Afghanistan.

He said Pakistan had expected the Taliban to develop into a responsible governing administration and guide Afghanistan towards stability and development. However, he said terrorism had remained a major issue in Afghanistan for decades, affecting neighbouring states as well as the broader region.

According to Ambassador Asim, Afghan territory continued to serve as a sanctuary for several militant organisations, including the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, the Balochistan Liberation Army, the Majeed Brigade, Daesh-Khorasan and the East Turkestan Islamic Movement.

He said Pakistan had expected the Taliban authorities to act against these groups operating from Afghan soil, but they had failed to do so and had disregarded the legitimate security concerns of Pakistan and other countries.

Deaths from attacks highlighted at Security Council

In his right of reply, the ambassador said terrorism emanating from Afghanistan continued to affect Pakistan and had killed hundreds of Pakistani citizens, including women, children and members of the security forces.

He said that more than 1,200 Pakistanis were killed in terrorist attacks last year and reiterated that Pakistan would continue to take all necessary steps to protect its national security.