Pakistan, China, Russia, and Iran have jointly urged Afghanistan’s Taliban-led government to take firm and verifiable action against terrorist groups operating from Afghan soil. The four nations raised alarm over the presence of networks such as Al-Qaeda, the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), and other militant outfits that continue to destabilize the region.
This appeal was issued in a joint statement after the fourth quadripartite meeting on Afghanistan, organized by Russia on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York. The participants expressed serious concerns about the deteriorating security environment in Afghanistan, warning that unchecked terror networks posed a direct threat to both regional stability and global peace.
The joint statement urged Afghan authorities to take “effective, concrete and verifiable actions” against terror outfits. These include dismantling training facilities, cutting off funding sources, halting recruitment, and restricting access to arms. Furthermore, the four sides emphasized that Afghan territory must not be used to launch attacks against neighboring states or any other country. They also stressed that the fight against terrorism should be comprehensive and non-discriminatory, targeting all groups without exception.
The meeting followed calls made earlier this week by Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar at the OIC Contact Group on Afghanistan. He urged the Afghan interim administration to ensure their territory is not used for terrorism, particularly against Pakistan, which has faced a surge in cross-border attacks since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021.
Pakistan shares a porous 2,500-kilometer-long border with Afghanistan, with multiple crossing points vital for trade and people-to-people connections. Despite these ties, terrorism remains a major challenge for Pakistan, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, where most attacks are traced back to Afghan-based groups.
In their joint declaration, Pakistan, China, Russia, and Iran also reaffirmed support for Afghanistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. They called for the country to develop as an “independent, united, and peaceful state, free from terrorism, war, and narcotics.”
The nations welcomed Kabul’s steps to curb opium cultivation but voiced concern over the growing trade of synthetic drugs, particularly methamphetamine, which has emerged as a serious regional threat. On the humanitarian front, the statement highlighted the refugee issue, urging Afghan authorities to create conditions for the safe, voluntary, and dignified return of displaced persons. Pakistan and Iran were acknowledged for hosting millions of Afghan refugees despite limited resources.
Additionally, the ministers underscored the importance of an inclusive political process in Afghanistan. They reiterated that women and girls must have access to education, employment, and participation in public life. These elements, they argued, are essential for long-term peace and stability in the country.
By calling on Kabul to act decisively, the four nations signaled a united front against terrorism emanating from Afghanistan. The statement also reflects growing frustration with the Taliban’s reluctance to crack down on groups threatening regional security. Whether Afghanistan heeds these warnings remains to be seen, but the pressure from its neighbors is expected to intensify in the months ahead.
