Pakistan’s Foreign Office on Thursday said a recent UN Security Council report confirming the presence of terrorist groups in Afghanistan supports Islamabad’s long-held position, warning that such elements pose a grave threat to regional peace and stability.
At a weekly news briefing, Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Andarabi said Pakistan has credible and verifiable evidence that terrorist groups are operating from Afghan soil with support.
He said Islamabad has also received fresh intelligence, including details of militants’ numbers, identities and financing, which can be presented at international forums.
The spokesperson said the presence of militant groups not only threatens regional security but also undermines Afghanistan’s own stability and development.
He added that UN reports specifically mention the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other foreign terrorist elements active in Afghanistan.
Addressing Pakistan-Afghanistan ties, Andarabi said diplomatic engagement remains intact, with ambassadors posted in both capitals and bilateral issues discussed through diplomatic channels. He stressed the need for sustained dialogue to resolve outstanding matters.
He also referred to a recent regional meeting in Tehran, where the issue of terrorist groups, including the TTP, was discussed in a broader regional context. He said the meeting of special envoys from neighbouring countries was part of a regional mechanism aimed at consultation and consensus-building.
The spokesperson said terrorist elements remain the biggest obstacle in Pakistan-Afghanistan relations and are linked to border tensions, lack of ceasefire, border closures and trade disruptions.
Commenting on discussions in some global capitals about an international stabilisation force, he said Pakistan has not received any specific request, nor has any final decision been conveyed.
Responding to the shooting incident at Bondi Beach in Australia, Andarabi said investigations are underway by Australian authorities and linking the attack to Pakistan is irresponsible.
He said a Pakistani citizen’s name and photograph were aired by the media without verification, putting an innocent person and his family at risk. He added that it later emerged the attacker was of Indian origin and held an Indian passport, accusing Indian media of spreading misinformation and propaganda.
The spokesperson also strongly rejected a Reuters report about an alleged visit by Pakistan’s Field Marshal to the United States, saying the report was incorrect. He said official visits are announced formally by the Government of Pakistan.
Separately, Andarabi accused India of violating the Indus Waters Treaty through unilateral actions, calling them a threat to regional peace and urging the international community to take notice.
He also expressed concern over the situation of minority rights in India, condemning violations of religious freedom and describing the conduct of Bihar’s chief minister towards minorities as deplorable.
He said Pakistan will continue to project its concerns and position at the international level while pursuing efforts for peace, stability and cooperation in the region.
