Islamabad: The United Nations’ 36th Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team (UNMT) report has issued a stark warning on the escalating threat of terrorism emanating from Afghanistan. The report, released under the mandate of UN Security Council Resolution 2734 (2024), confirms the continued presence and operational freedom of multiple terrorist organizations under the permissive environment of the Interim Afghan Government (IAG).
The report identifies groups such as Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Islamic State of Khorasan Province (ISKP), Al-Qaida (AQ), East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM), and the Turkistan Islamic Party (TIP) as thriving within Afghanistan. It explicitly states that these groups benefit from the support or tacit collusion of the de facto Afghan authorities.
A key highlight of the report is the estimated strength of TTP, pegged at around 6,000 fighters. It further reveals the group’s access to advanced weaponry and significant logistical backing from the IAG — increasing the lethality and coordination of its attacks. Alarmingly, the TTP is also reported to maintain tactical links with ISKP, a nexus described in the report as “two sides of the same coin.”
The report also uncovers alarming developments in southern Afghanistan, where Baloch insurgent factions like the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and its Majeed Brigade are found to be working in tandem with TTP. These groups reportedly share four training camps in regions such as Walikot and Shorabak, receiving ideological and weapons training from Al-Qaida operatives.
ISKP’s presence, while smaller in number (estimated at 2,000 fighters), is no less concerning. The group has operational reach across Afghanistan, Central Asian Republics, and Russia’s North Caucasus, exploiting local discontent to expand influence despite occasional resistance from the IAG.
The presence of Al-Qaida in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) is also affirmed, with the report noting its spread across six Afghan provinces: Ghazni, Helmand, Kandahar, Kunar, Uruzgan, and Zabul. AQIS is said to be actively involved in training both Al-Qaida and TTP operatives, deepening the threat matrix in the region.
Pakistan has long raised concerns over Afghanistan being used as a launchpad for terrorism. This report unequivocally reinforces Islamabad’s position and demands action. Pakistani officials argue that the findings highlight the IAG’s failure to honor its commitments under the Doha Agreement — specifically the promise to prevent Afghan soil from being used against other countries.
Calling the report a “wake-up call,” Pakistani security officials urged the international community to hold the Interim Afghan Government accountable and ensure decisive action against groups like TTP and BLA.
“This report substantiates what Pakistan has consistently maintained — that we are the primary victims of cross-border terrorism. It’s time for the Afghan authorities to dismantle these safe havens and honor international commitments,” a senior Pakistani official stated.
The international fallout of the report is expected to trigger renewed dialogue on regional security, counter-terrorism cooperation, and the role of the Taliban-led Afghan government in stabilizing the region.
