Pakistan's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Asim Iftikhar, said to the UN Security Council that Afghanistan is being used as a safe haven for terrorist organizations.
This warning underscores the escalating tension between Pakistan and the Taliban-led government, as cross-border attacks continue to destabilize the region and jeopardize international security.
Speaking during a session in New York on May 9, 2026 [1], Iftikhar said that the presence of these groups is not only a local issue but a global threat. He said, "Afghanistan is harbouring terror organisations, jeopardising world peace."
Iftikhar said that the current situation in Afghanistan allows for the exploitation of territory by external actors. He said, "external spoilers are exploiting Afghan territory to launch attacks; this must stop."
According to the Pakistani envoy, the use of Afghan soil to target neighboring states is a violation of international norms. He said, "Afghan soil must not be used for terrorism against neighbouring states."
Pakistan has repeatedly highlighted that attacks originating from Afghan territory are detrimental to regional stability. The representative urged the international community to ensure that the territory does not remain a sanctuary for global terrorist organizations [1].
Reports of the statement circulated between May 9 and May 10, 2026 [1], as the UN Security Council continues to monitor the security situation within Afghanistan and its impact on surrounding nations.
“"Afghanistan is harbouring terror organisations, jeopardising world peace."”
The formal accusation by Pakistan at the UN Security Council signals a breakdown in bilateral security cooperation with the Taliban. By framing the issue as a threat to 'world peace' rather than a bilateral dispute, Pakistan is attempting to internationalize the pressure on the Afghan administration to dismantle militant sanctuaries.
