Pakistan demands ‘verifiable, non-reversible’ Taliban action against terrorists at UNSC

UNITED NATIONS: Pakistan has renewed pressure on the Afghan Taliban to take what it described as “verifiable and non-reversible” action against terrorist groups operating from Afghan territory, warning that repeated appeals from Islamabad have yet to produce meaningful results.

Addressing a meeting of the United Nations Security Council on Monday, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, said Islamabad’s expectations from the Taliban administration remained straightforward.

“Our demand is simple and clear: verifiable and non-reversible action against terrorist groups operating from Afghan territory,” he said, adding that the demand remained unmet despite continued engagement.

The ambassador noted that nearly five years had passed since the Afghan Taliban returned to power in 2021, a development many had hoped would usher in greater stability for Afghanistan and the wider region.

Instead, he said, concerns persist over the continued presence of militant groups operating from Afghan soil.

According to Pakistan, the Taliban were expected to take concrete action against organisations including the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan, the Balochistan Liberation Army and its Majeed Brigade, Islamic State-Khorasan, and the East Turkestan Islamic Movement.

“Regrettably, they have failed to undertake action, showing complete disregard for the legitimate security concerns of Pakistan and other countries,” Ambassador Asim said.

Pakistan has repeatedly linked the recent rise in militant violence within its borders to groups allegedly operating from Afghanistan. The Afghan Taliban, however, have consistently rejected accusations that Afghan territory is being used to launch attacks against Pakistan.

The envoy said Islamabad had continued to support Afghanistan through humanitarian assistance, political engagement, trade facilitation, transit concessions, educational and medical visas, and participation in regional cooperation initiatives aimed at helping Afghanistan reintegrate into the international community.

Despite its criticism, Pakistan signalled that engagement remains possible.

“The window for course correction is narrowing, but it remains open,” Ambassador Asim said, expressing hope that the Taliban would cooperate with the international community in the interest of long-term peace, regional stability, and the welfare of the Afghan people.