In a significant development aimed at curbing cross-border militancy, more than a thousand Afghan clerics, tribal elders and religious leaders gathered at Kabul University on Wednesday and unanimously rejected any form of armed activity outside Afghanistan.

The gathering, attended by senior scholars and community leaders, issued a joint declaration stating that anyone conducting military operations beyond Afghanistan’s borders would be considered a rebel against the state.

The declaration stressed that Afghan soil must not be used against any other country and that citizens are prohibited from taking part in armed activities abroad.

It further stated that ensuring compliance with this principle is the responsibility of the Afghan government.

The scholars also urged the authorities to prevent Afghanistan from being drawn into regional conflicts and to take strict action against any violations.

Participants reiterated that safeguarding Afghanistan’s sovereignty was essential and emphasised that no individual should be allowed to cross borders for militant purposes.

Quoting sources, a Tolo News report said that the gathering also reflected the position that defending one’s rights, values, and the Islamic system was obligatory, but this did not extend to foreign military engagements.

The meeting called on the Islamic Emirate to ensure that no one would be permitted to engage in combat operations outside the country, and that violators should face full legal action.

The strong statement from Afghan clerics effectively aligns with Pakistan’s long-standing demand that Afghan territory not be used for cross-border attacks.

Pakistan has repeatedly urged the Afghan Taliban to prevent militant infiltration. Islamabad maintains that armed groups operating from Afghan soil continue attempts to stage attacks across the border.

Pakistan raises concerns at UN

Addressing a UN Security Council session on the same day, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Asim Iftikhar, described terrorism emanating from Afghanistan as the “gravest threat” to Pakistan’s national security.

He said Afghanistan had once again become a sanctuary for various terrorist organisations and their proxies, with Pakistan bearing the brunt of their activities.

The envoy noted that groups including ISIS-K, Al Qaeda, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM), the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and the Majeed Brigade were exploiting Afghan territory.

He added that dozens of militant camps inside Afghanistan were facilitating cross-border attacks, suicide bombings and other violent operations, posing a severe security challenge to Pakistan.

Iftikhar urged the international community to take the Afghan situation seriously and adopt concrete measures to support regional peace and stability.