ISLAMABAD: China and Pakistan have jointly expressed profound alarm at theUnited Nations Security Council regarding the persistent presence andoperational freedom of militant groups in Afghanistan, pressing the Talibanadministration to implement decisive measures against these entities thatendanger regional and international security. This unified stance from thetwo close allies underscores escalating threats from cross-borderterrorism, including attacks on Pakistani soil and risks to Chineseinterests, amid reports of groups like Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan gainingrenewed strength since the Taliban’s 2021 takeover.
The concerns were articulated during a recent Security Council sessionfocused on Afghanistan’s security landscape, where Pakistan’srepresentative highlighted how militant outfits have secured a newoperational base under Taliban rule. These groups conduct attacks freelyfrom Afghan territory, contributing to heightened instability along theporous Durand Line border. Pakistan has suffered significant casualtiesfrom such violence, with officials linking many incidents directly tosanctuaries in Afghanistan, prompting repeated calls for verifiablecrackdowns.
China’s delegation echoed these worries, specifically pointing to theactivities of al-Qaida, Islamic State affiliates, and Uyghur-linkedmilitants operating within Afghanistan. Beijing emphasized the need forresolute Taliban action to dismantle these networks, warning that uncheckedterrorism could spill over and undermine broader regional stability. Thisposition aligns with China’s strategic priorities, including safeguardingBelt and Road Initiative projects and personnel from extremist threatsoriginating across the border.
United Nations monitoring reports have consistently documented the presenceof over two dozen terrorist organizations in Afghanistan, posing challengesto neighboring states and beyond. The Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan, estimatedto command thousands of fighters, reportedly receives logistical support,enabling cross-border operations that have intensified in recent years.Similarly, the Islamic State Khorasan branch remains a potent force,conducting attacks that extend to Central Asia and Europe, amplifyingglobal apprehensions.
Pakistan has repeatedly asserted that Afghanistan serves as a hub forgroups targeting its security forces and civilians, with incidents risingsharply post-2021. Diplomatic efforts, including trilateral dialogues withChina and Afghanistan, have sought commitments from the Taliban toeliminate these threats, yet progress remains limited. Islamabad maintainsthat failure to act decisively contravenes international obligations andexacerbates bilateral strains, including periodic border clashes.
China’s involvement reflects its growing stake in Afghan stability, drivenby concerns over East Turkestan Islamic Movement elements that couldinspire unrest in Xinjiang. Beijing has urged visible and verifiable stepsto prevent Afghan soil from being used against other nations, a demandreiterated in multilateral forums alongside Pakistan. This coordinatedpressure aims to compel the Taliban toward concrete counter-terrorismcompliance.
The Taliban administration has dismissed many such accusations as baselesspropaganda, rejecting claims of harboring foreign militants while assertingefforts to maintain internal security. Despite these denials, independentassessments and Council discussions indicate ongoing challenges in severingties with extremist factions, raising questions about the de factoauthorities’ capacity or willingness to fulfill counter-terrorism pledgesmade to the international community.
Broader Council members, including Western states, have voiced parallelanxieties over Islamic State Khorasan recruitment and attack capabilities,underscoring Afghanistan’s role as a potential exporter of terrorism. Thepersistence of these groups threatens humanitarian access, economicrecovery, and regional integration, complicating efforts to engageconstructively with Kabul on aid and recognition.
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Pakistan and China continue advocating for unified international pressurethrough the Security Council to enforce demands that Afghanistan deny safehavens to terrorists. Their joint position highlights a shared interest inpreventing escalation that could destabilize South and Central Asia, whereeconomic corridors and strategic partnerships remain vulnerable to militantdisruptions.
This development signals deepening diplomatic coordination betweenIslamabad and Beijing on Afghan issues, potentially influencing futuremultilateral initiatives. Sustained engagement may hinge on Talibanresponsiveness, as unchecked militancy risks broader confrontation andisolation for Kabul.
Source: https://www.afintl.com/en/202602057400
Council, Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan, East Turkestan Islamic Movement
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