Islamabad, Pakistan – Pakistan has made a formal request to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to launch an investigation into how the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) terrorist group acquired advanced weaponry. This comes amidst escalating concerns over TTP attacks and cross-border threats emanating from Afghanistan.
During a UNSC briefing on the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Munir Akram, painted a grim picture of the situation. He highlighted the devastating impact of TTP attacks, citing the loss of hundreds of soldiers and civilians this year alone, including the recent Dera Ismail Khan assault that claimed over 23 lives.
Akram pointed to a disturbing trend: the use of sophisticated military equipment by TTP fighters. He questioned the source of these weapons, which he believes originated from the vast stockpiles left behind by foreign forces in Afghanistan. He demanded a thorough UN investigation to uncover the origins of these weapons and find ways to retrieve them from the TTP’s grasp.
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TehreekeTaliban Pakistan (TTP) fighters
While acknowledging some positive developments in Afghanistan’s economy, Akram emphasized the need for the Afghan interim government to take concrete action against terrorist groups operating within its borders. He expressed skepticism about the government’s claims of success against Daesh, pointing to the continued presence of multiple terrorist organizations, including the TTP, which enjoys apparent freedom to launch attacks against Pakistan.
Akram urged the UNSC to play a more active role in pressuring the Afghan government to crack down on terrorism. He suggested strengthening the 1988 Committee, mandated to monitor sanctions against Taliban entities, and empowering its monitoring team to closely scrutinize the government’s counterterrorism efforts. He warned that any engagement with the Afghan authorities must be contingent on their demonstrably effective actions against terrorist groups.
The issue of Afghan refugees also figured prominently in Akram’s address. He acknowledged Pakistan’s long history of hosting millions of Afghan refugees but stressed the increasing strain on the country’s resources and security. He called for the international community to share the burden of refugee resettlement and urged the Afghan government to facilitate the safe and dignified repatriation of its citizens currently residing in Pakistan.
Akram expressed concerns about the presence of over 2 million undocumented Afghans in Pakistan, many of whom crossed the border after the Taliban takeover. He highlighted the security risks posed by these individuals, including potential links to sleeper cells and criminal activities like drug trafficking. He reiterated Pakistan’s ongoing plan to repatriate undocumented Afghans, emphasizing a humane approach with exceptions for vulnerable groups and those holding valid documentation.
The Pakistani envoy welcomed the independent assessment report compiled by UN Special Coordinator Feridun Sinirlioglu and expressed hope that it would pave the way for a comprehensive and realistic roadmap for Afghanistan’s stabilization and long-term development. He also announced Pakistan’s participation in the Secretary-General’s revived Doha format aimed at fostering dialogue and finding solutions to the Afghan crisis.
Pakistan’s demands for a UN investigation into TTP’s weaponry and its call for international action on Afghan refugees and cross-border security highlight the urgency of addressing these critical issues. The UNSC’s response and the international community’s willingness to engage constructively will be crucial in determining the future trajectory of Afghanistan and its impact on regional security.
December 20,2023
Source: The News International