NEW YORK: Pakistan has called for stronger international cooperation to counter growing terrorism threats as its Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, highlighted challenges linked to militant groups, terrorist financing, and emerging technologies during a UN Security Council debate.
Addressing the session on threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar stressed the need for a collective global strategy to address evolving forms of terrorism and prevent extremist organisations from gaining access to financial and technological resources.
He said terrorist groups are increasingly using modern tools, including drones, artificial intelligence, social media platforms, and cryptocurrency, requiring coordinated international efforts to disrupt their operations.
During the discussion, Pakistan highlighted security concerns related to militant groups operating from Afghanistan, including the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), and Daesh Khorasan (ISIS-K).
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Ambassador Asim Iftikhar called on Afghan authorities to ensure that their territory is not used for activities against Pakistan and urged the international community to take effective measures against terrorist networks and their sources of funding.
He said Pakistan’s counterterrorism operations had caused significant damage to Daesh Khorasan but added that the group remains a challenge for regional security.
The Pakistani envoy also raised the situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) during the Security Council debate, referring to India’s actions of August 5, 2019.
He described the measures taken on that date as “illegal and unilateral,” saying they had created further challenges for the Kashmiri people.
“Today, 5 August marks a grim occasion – it is the seventh anniversary of the unlawful and unilateral measures imposed in Indian-illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir,” Ambassador Asim Iftikhar said.
He stressed that counterterrorism efforts should not be used to suppress internationally recognised rights and called for consistent policies in addressing conflicts and security issues.
Pakistan urged the international community to strengthen cooperation against all forms of terrorism and prevent extremist groups from accessing financial channels, including virtual assets.
Ambassador Asim Iftikhar also called for improvements in the UN sanctions framework and emphasised the importance of avoiding double standards in the global fight against terrorism.
He said sustained international cooperation and practical action were essential to address emerging threats and maintain global peace and security.
