Pakistan calls on the UNSC for action against terror groups, particularly TTP and Majeed Brigade, operating from Afghanistan. Emphasizing the need for collective counter-terrorism strategies, Ambassador Munir Akram highlights the overlooked state terrorism and advocates addressing the root causes of extremism. The session emphasizes global cooperation against evolving terrorist threats, urging reform in current practices and counter-terrorism approaches.
Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Munir Akram, has called upon the UN Security Council (UNSC) to take decisive action against terror organizations, specifically highlighting the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Majeed Brigade, which are operating from secure locations in Afghanistan. Emphasizing Pakistan’s leadership in counter-terrorism efforts, he delivered his remarks during a debate addressing the Secretary-General’s report on Da’esh and its threats to global peace and security. Ambassador Akram cautioned that the dangers posed by these groups extend beyond Afghanistan and Pakistan, impacting the entire region and the world.
In his address, Ambassador Akram pointed out that the international community has largely overlooked state terrorism, which often utilizes governmental powers to stifle legitimate movements for self-determination. He asserted that accountability must be upheld for fundamental human rights violations, particularly regarding self-determination struggles in regions like Kashmir and Palestine. He advocated for addressing the root issues of terrorism, which include poverty, unresolved conflicts, and foreign occupations.
UN Under-Secretary-General Vladimir Voronkov opened the session by warning that Da’esh continues to represent a substantial global security threat, despite interventions aimed at eradicating their influence. He stated that no nation can successfully confront the evolving challenges of terrorism alone. Ambassador Akram echoed this sentiment by mentioning the uptick in terrorist activities worldwide, especially in the Middle East and from Afghanistan.
The Pakistani envoy elaborated that while Al-Qaeda’s core was significantly weakened in Afghanistan primarily due to Pakistan’s counter-terrorism initiatives, several affiliated terrorist factions have emerged in North and Sub-Saharan Africa. He asserted the importance of a comprehensive international approach to tackle terrorism collectively, advocating for a strategy that aligns with the Global Counter Terrorism Strategy (GCTS) established by the General Assembly.
Ambassador Akram emphasized that Afghanistan has become a central base for over two dozen terrorist factions, including ISIL-K, which he identified as a recruitment challenge for Daesh. He firmly rejected claims of recruitment activities occurring within Pakistan, highlighting the need to shift focus from mere consequences to the underlying causes of terrorism. He stressed that without confronting root causes, effective solutions would remain elusive.
Further, he urged for reform within the UN’s counter-terrorism measures to ensure they are equipped to manage contemporary threats and reflect a fair and just approach. He called for addressing the misuse of new digital tools by terrorists, including the dark web and cryptocurrencies, utilized for radicalization and financing violent acts. Finally, Ambassador Akram pointed out that counter-terrorism strategies have disproportionately labeled Islam, calling for more inclusive measures that consider the broader spectrum of extremism, including far-right and nationalist violence, while mitigating the negative portrayal of Muslims globally.
In conclusion, Ambassador Munir Akram’s address to the UN underscores the pressing need for coordinated international action against terrorism originating from Afghanistan. He highlights the dual challenges of state terrorism and the increasing global threat from various extremist groups. Urging reform in counter-terrorism strategies, he emphasizes the necessity of addressing underlying causes, advocating for a more equitable approach to combatting terrorism without stigmatizing specific communities.
Original Source: dunyanews.tv
