Islamabad, Dec 15: Pakistan has called on regional and international partners to press Afghanistan’s de facto authorities to eliminate all militant groups operating from Afghan territory, warning that terrorism emanating from across the border poses a serious threat to regional security.
Speaking at a meeting of special representatives for Afghanistan in Tehran, Pakistan’s Special Envoy Ambassador Sadiq said the continued presence of terrorist organisations in Afghanistan remained a major challenge for neighbouring and regional countries. The meeting was attended by representatives from Pakistan, China, Russia, Iran, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. The Taliban government, though invited by Iran, did not attend.
Ambassador Sadiq stressed that Afghanistan’s long-term stability and economic revival depended on its ability to ensure that its soil was not used by militant groups. He said only a terrorism-free Afghanistan could inspire confidence among neighbouring states and pave the way for meaningful regional engagement, trade and connectivity.
Highlighting the humanitarian situation, the envoy said Afghans had suffered for decades and deserved relief, adding that decisive action against all forms of terrorism would be a crucial step toward easing their hardships.
Pakistan also urged a coordinated regional approach on key issues including counter-terrorism, political inclusivity, girls’ education, and human and women’s rights in Afghanistan.
Islamabad’s relations with Kabul have remained strained, primarily over Pakistan’s allegations that the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) continues to find sanctuary in Afghanistan — a claim denied by the Taliban authorities.
Efforts to address cross-border security concerns through dialogue have stalled. Multiple rounds of talks between the two sides, held with mediation by Turkiye and Qatar, failed to produce a breakthrough. Pakistani officials later said the discussions had entered an indefinite phase after deep differences could not be resolved.
Following the collapse of talks, trade ties between the two neighbours were disrupted. Afghanistan suspended trade with Pakistan, while Islamabad had already shut border crossings in the aftermath of earlier clashes.
Pakistan maintains that sustained regional pressure and collective engagement are essential to ensure that Afghanistan does not become a source of instability, and to create conditions for peace and economic integration in the wider region.
