"The terrorism threat in various geographical regions, such as Africa, in the Middle East, and in our own neighborhood in Afghanistan, is deeply worrying. More than 4,700 innocent Pakistanis have lost their lives to terrorism emanating from Afghanistan over the last three years. We have faced some of the most callous terrorist attacks carried out by savage entities like TTP, the BLA, and its Majeed Brigade, which continue to operate with impunity from sanctuaries in Afghanistan, with significant external support. Entities like the BLA are operating freely in the absence of restrictive measures and sanctions by this Council that would have contained their activities, despite earnest attempts to designate this terrorist group under the Councils sanctions regime. And other groups, including ETIM and ISIL, also need to be effectively countered.Statement by Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the UN, at the UNSC briefing on Threats to International Peace and Security Caused by Terrorist Acts: Twenty-five years after 9/11: Renew the Security Councils Fight Against TerrorismPlease watch complete statement by Pakistan"
The rise of terrorism across various regions, particularly in Africa and the Middle East, has raised significant global concerns. In Pakistan, the impact has been deeply felt, with over 4,700 innocent lives lost to terrorist activities linked to Afghanistan over the past three years. This alarming statistic highlights the need for focused international cooperation to address these threats.
Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Pakistan's Permanent Representative to the UN, has voiced the nations grave apprehensions over terrorist groups such as the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), and their affiliates. These groups continue to launch devastating attacks with little interference, often finding safe havens across the Afghan border. The lack of stringent international measures against these entities has perpetuated an environment where terrorism can thrive unchecked. The BLA, in particular, has remained resilient, operating without fear of repercussions, underscoring the necessity for the UN Security Council to enforce sanctions effectively against such factions.
During the recent UN Security Council briefing on the threats to international peace, the calls for a unified response against terrorism have never been more urgent. Pakistan's appeal is not only directed at recognizing the specific threats it faces but also emphasizes the global stakes involved in combating terrorism. With groups like the Eastern Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM) and ISIL also under scrutiny, it becomes clear that the international community must root out these threats collectively. Without a unified international response, nations, including Pakistan, may struggle to manage the ramifications of terrorism emanating not only from their immediate borders but also from across the globe.
The path ahead must involve a multi-faceted strategy to combat terrorism that includes military, diplomatic, and socio-economic efforts. Pakistan is committed to working with the international community, advocating for not just the designation of terrorist entities but also for sustained action against their funding and operational networks. It is paramount for global bodies to implement measures that deter the proliferation of such groups, fostering a secure environment where citizens can live free from the specter of violence. Looking ahead, collaboration among nations will be critical to ensure that the lessons from the past, especially regarding international terrorism post-9/11, are not repeated.
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