ISLAMABAD: On Wednesday, Pakistan called on the United Nations to intervene in halting cross-border attacks by the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan originating from Afghan territory.
This plea was made by Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi during a meeting with a UN delegation led by UN Special Representative for Afghanistan, Indrika Ratwatte.
The high-level delegation included UN Resident Coordinator Mohamed Yahya, Fady El Meouchy, Special Assistant to the DSRSG, and Malick Ceesay, Head of the UN mission in Afghanistan.
The meeting addressed the recent surge in terrorist attacks in Pakistan, which has intensified since the Taliban’s resurgence in Afghanistan. Despite repeated requests, efforts to curb terrorist hideouts in Afghanistan have yielded limited results, straining relations between Islamabad and Kabul.
Minister Naqvi emphasized the crucial need for the UN to act against the TTP’s use of Afghan soil for these attacks. He welcomed the UN delegation at the Ministry of Interior and reiterated Pakistan’s ongoing struggle against terrorism, highlighting the significant sacrifices made by the country’s security forces and civilians.
The minister informed the delegation about the TTP’s involvement in recent attacks and underscored the necessity of stopping their operations from Afghan territory.
He also expressed Pakistan’s commitment to peace and stability in Afghanistan, noting the country’s longstanding role in hosting Afghan refugees and its ongoing efforts in repatriation.
Naqvi announced that the phased repatriation of illegal foreign nationals has begun, while those with legal documents are not affected. He stressed the importance of international support in the rehabilitation of Afghan refugees.
UN Special Representative Indrika Ratwatte commended Pakistan’s efforts regarding Afghan refugees and the Doha dialogue, assuring that the UN is working closely with the Afghan government on the permanent resettlement of refugees.
