ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has urged the Afghan Taliban regime to end restrictions on women and girls and take concrete action against terrorist organisations operating from Afghan soil, stressing that Afghanistan must not be allowed to become a source of insecurity for neighbouring countries.
The demand was raised by Pakistan’s Counsellor Muhammad Jawad Ajmal during an interactive dialogue with the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan at the Third Committee of the United Nations General Assembly.
Speaking at the session, the Pakistani representative expressed concern over restrictions imposed on Afghan women and girls, saying they were being deprived of their fundamental rights, freedoms and dignity. He described these restrictions as contrary to international obligations and Islamic teachings.
He also highlighted Pakistan’s security concerns over the presence and activities of terrorist organisations in Afghanistan, including Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), Majeed Brigade, Al-Qaeda, Daesh Khorasan and the East Turkestan Islamic Movement.
Muhammad Jawad Ajmal said that terrorist activities originating from Afghan territory posed serious threats to regional peace and stability, particularly Pakistan’s security.
He stressed that Pakistan could not remain indifferent to repeated terrorist attacks targeting its citizens and reserved the right to defend itself in accordance with international law.
The Pakistani representative also called upon the international community to fulfil its responsibilities towards vulnerable Afghan refugees and provide the necessary humanitarian and financial assistance.
He noted that Pakistan had hosted millions of Afghan refugees over several decades but had not received adequate international support in sharing this humanitarian responsibility.
Pakistan reiterated its commitment to a peaceful, stable and prosperous Afghanistan, emphasising that lasting regional peace requires an end to terrorism, respect for human rights and the protection of women’s fundamental freedoms.
The Pakistani delegation urged the international community to play a constructive role in addressing Afghanistan’s humanitarian, human rights and security challenges.
