ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan said on Thursday that the latest report of the UN Security Council’s 1267 Sanctions Committee “largely supports” its long-standing position that terrorist groups, particularly the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), continue to operate from Afghan soil with operational space and support.
Responding to questions at his weekly press briefing, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said the February 4 report corroborates Pakistan’s narrative of the resurgence of the TTP after the 2021 takeover by the Afghan interim government.
“We have seen and studied the report. We believe it largely supports Pakistan’s narrative on the TTP and Afghanistan,” Andrabi said.
He noted that the report highlights the continued presence of the TTP and Al-Qaeda in Afghanistan and highlights what he describes as a “permissive environment” for a range of terrorist groups, particularly the TTP.
According to the spokesperson, the report highlights that the TTP was granted “greater operational freedom” and benefited from the support of the de facto authorities, allowing it to carry out attacks inside Pakistan.
He added that the report also refers to Al-Qaeda as acting as a “multiplier and service provider” to other armed groups in Afghanistan, particularly the TTP, in terms of training and advisory support. Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) is believed to be active in southeastern Afghanistan.
Andrabi further highlighted concerns raised by several UN member states over deepening cooperation between Al-Qaeda-aligned groups and the TTP, warning that such ties could pose extra-regional threats beyond Pakistan to other neighboring states.
The report, he added, also mentions the presence of ISIL-K in northern Afghanistan and refers to alleged collaboration between the TTP, ISKP and BLA/Fitna Al Hind through shared training camps, coordinated attacks and meetings between commanders.
“If we sum it all up, the report corroborates Pakistan’s position that the resurgence of the TTP is linked to post-2021 developments in Afghanistan,” he said, reiterating that Pakistan remains the main target of TTP attacks and continues to bear the brunt of terrorism emanating from across the border.
He said Pakistan would follow up the findings with the UN Secretariat, Security Council members and other relevant stakeholders.
Confirming media reports, the spokesperson said that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif would attend the next meeting of the Peace Council (BoP) scheduled for February 19 in Washington.
“Yes, I can confirm that the Prime Minister will attend the next BoP meeting. He will be accompanied by the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister,” Andrabi said, adding that details of the wider delegation and engagements in the US would be shared later.
Responding to a question regarding concerns over Gaza’s representation and the credibility of the forum, Andrabi said Pakistan had joined the initiative “in good faith” as part of a collective voice of eight Arab Islamic countries.
“Our collective voice resonates within the Peace Council,” he said, referring to joint statements issued by the eight countries in Gaza and the West Bank.
He reiterated Pakistan’s support for a long-term solution to the Palestinian issue, including the creation of an independent Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
On the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), Andrabi said Pakistan’s legal team participated in the Court of Arbitration proceedings held in The Hague on February 2 and 3, seeking clarification on the interpretation and application of the treaty regarding certain design elements of India’s run-of-river hydropower projects.
He noted that India had been invited by the Court of Arbitration to participate but had chosen not to appear.
“The IWT remains a binding international instrument,” he said, adding that no unilateral action could change its legal status.
On the proposed Svalkot project on the Chenab River, the spokesperson said Pakistan’s Indus Water Commissioner had written to his Indian counterpart seeking information and consultations, as provided for in the 1960 treaty.
