ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan on Thursday said the latest report of the UN Security Council’s 1267 Sanctions Committee has “extensively supported” its long-held 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 during his weekly news briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said the February 4 report corroborates Pakistan’s narrative about the resurgence of the TTP following the 2021 takeover by the interim Afghan government.
“We have seen and studied the report. We believe that it extensively supports Pakistan’s narrative on TTP and Afghanistan,” Andrabi said.
He noted that the report highlights the continued presence of TTP and Al Qaeda in Afghanistan and points to what it describes as a “permissive environment” for a range of terrorist groups, particularly the TTP.
According to the spokesperson, the report underscores that TTP has been accorded “greater operational liberty” and has benefited from support under the de facto authorities, enabling it to carry out attacks inside Pakistan.
He said 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) was reported to be active in southeastern Afghanistan.
Andrabi further pointed to concerns raised by several UN member states about deepening cooperation between Al Qaeda-aligned groups and the TTP, warning that such linkages could pose extra-regional threats beyond Pakistan to other neighbouring states.
The report, he added, also mentions the presence of ISIL-K in northern Afghanistan and refers to alleged collaboration among TTP, ISKP and BLA/Fitna Al Hind through shared training camps, coordinated attacks and meetings between commanders.
“If we sum up all this, the report corroborates Pakistan’s position that the TTP resurgence is linked to post-2021 developments in Afghanistan,” he said, reiterating that Pakistan remains the primary 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 Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will attend the upcoming meeting of the Board of Peace (BoP) scheduled for February 19 in Washington.
“Yes, I can confirm that the Prime Minister will attend the upcoming 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 Islamic-Arab countries.
“Our collective voice is resonating in the Board of Peace,” he said, referring to joint statements issued by the eight countries on Gaza and the West Bank.
He reiterated Pakistan’s support for a long-term solution to the Palestinian issue, including the establishment 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 proceedings of the Court of Arbitration held in The Hague on February 2-3, seeking clarity on the interpretation and application of the treaty concerning certain design elements of Indian run-of-the-river hydroelectric projects.
He noted that India was invited by the Court of Arbitration to participate but chose not to appear.
“The IWT remains a binding international instrument,” he said, adding that no unilateral action could alter its legal status.
Regarding 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 mandated under the 1960 treaty.
