Pakistan has urged the UN Security Council to take action against terrorist groups including TTP and the Majeed Brigade based in Afghanistan. Ambassador Munir Akram stressed the need for the international community to work together to address the threats posed by these organizations, as well as to tackle the root causes of terrorism. He called for reform in the UN’s counter-terrorism efforts to adapt to emerging threats and combat stigmatization of Muslims in counter-terrorism policies.
Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Munir Akram, has called upon the UN Security Council (UNSC) to take decisive action against terrorist organizations such as the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Majeed Brigade, which find sanctuary in Afghanistan. During a recent discussion regarding the UN Secretary-General’s biannual report on the Da’esh threat, Akram emphasized that the repercussions of these terrorist groups extend beyond the borders of Afghanistan and Pakistan, impacting regional stability and global security.
The Ambassador remarked, “We must sincerely address the terrorist threats from Afghanistan,” highlighting the increased frequency of terrorist activities across the Middle East, Africa, and Afghanistan. While recognizing Pakistan’s role in dismantling Al-Qaeda’s core in Afghanistan, he pointed out the emergence of its affiliates in regions such as North and Sub-Saharan Africa, as well as the resurgence of Da’esh operations in Afghanistan and the Sahel.
Akram further elaborated that over two dozen terrorist groups currently operate within Afghanistan, positioning it as a key hub for ISIL-K’s recruitment efforts. He rejected any claims suggesting that Pakistan serves as a recruitment center for such groups. His speech advocated for a collaborative approach among the international community to formulate a robust and unified strategy in combating terrorism based on the Global Counter Terrorism Strategy (GCTS).
There is an emphasis on addressing the root causes of terrorism, including poverty, injustice, and unresolved conflicts, notably the lack of self-determination for oppressed peoples. Akram asserted, “Without addressing the root causes, we can hope for little success if our focus remains restricted to the consequences of such policies.”
The Ambassador stressed the need for reforms in the UN’s counter-terrorism framework to effectively tackle evolving threats, including the utilization of cybertools like the dark web and cryptocurrencies for terrorist activities. Additionally, he raised concerns about the growing issue of extremist ideologies worldwide and remarked on the need for a comprehensive fight against terrorism, stating, “To comprehensively defeat terrorism, we must address the new and emerging forms of terrorism.”
Moreover, Akram criticized current counter-terrorism policies which he believes disproportionately target Islam. He argued for a more equitable approach that recognizes the broader spectrum of threats, thereby preventing the stigmatization of Muslim communities and the rise of Islamophobia.
In summary, Pakistan’s government highlights the urgent need for international cooperation to tackle terrorism originating from Afghanistan, emphasizing that this issue poses a serious threat not only to regional stability but also to global security. Ambassador Munir Akram’s appeal to the UNSC and the calls for a fair and comprehensive counter-terrorism strategy aim to enhance global understanding and action in combating terrorism effectively. Root causes of terrorism, including social injustices, should also be systematically addressed to achieve enduring solutions.
Original Source: dunyanews.tv
