ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan said on Thursday that the latest report by the UN Security Council’s 1267 sanctions committee has “broadly supported” its long-standing 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 Ministry spokesman Tahir Andrabi said the February 4 report confirms Pakistan’s narrative of the resurgence of the TTP after the interim Afghan government takes over in 2021.
“We have seen and studied the report. We believe it largely supports Pakistan’s narrative about TTP and Afghanistan,” Andrabi said.
He noted that the report highlights the continued presence of the TTP and Al Qaeda in Afghanistan and points to what it describes as a “permissive environment” for a number of terrorist groups, particularly the TTP.
According to the spokesman, the report emphasizes that the TTP has been granted “greater operational freedom” and has benefited from the support of the de facto authorities, enabling it to carry out attacks inside Pakistan.
He said the report also refers to Al Qaeda as a “multiplier and service provider” to other armed groups in Afghanistan, particularly the TTP, in terms of training and advice. 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 links could pose extra-regional threats beyond Pakistan to other neighboring states.
The report, he added, also mentions the presence of ISIL-K in northern Afghanistan and refers to alleged cooperation between the TTP, ISKP and BLA/Fitna Al Hind through joint training camps, coordinated attacks and meetings between commanders.
“To sum up all this, the report confirms 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 coming from across the border.
He said Pakistan would follow up on the findings with the UN Secretariat, members of the Security Council and other relevant stakeholders.
Confirming media reports, the spokesperson said that 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 Secretary,” Andrabi said, adding that details of the wider delegation and engagements in the US would be shared later.
Responding to a question about 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 resonates in the Peace Board,” he said, referring to joint statements by the eight countries in 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.
Regarding the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), Andrabi said Pakistan’s legal team participated in the trial at the Court of Arbitration held in The Hague on 2-3. February, to seek clarity on the interpretation and application of the treaty regarding certain design elements of Indian run-of-river hydropower plants.
He noted that India was invited by the Arbitral Tribunal to participate but chose not to appear.
“The IWT remains a binding international instrument,” he said, adding that no unilateral action could change its legal status.
Regarding the proposed Svalkot project on the Chenab River, the spokesman said Pakistan’s Indus Water Commissioner had written to his Indian counterpart seeking information and consultations as mandated under the 1960 treaty.
