"Statement by Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad,Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the UN,At the Meeting of the UN Security Council on the Situation in Afghanistan(16th September 2026)*********Thank you Mr. President,I would like to thank the Officer in Charge and Deputy SRSG UNAMA Georgette Gagnon for her briefing, and we take note of the report of the Secretary General.2. Let me also welcome the appointment of SRSG and Head of UNAMA, Rabab Fatima, for this important position, and we look forward to working closely with her. Let me also thank Nargis Nehan for her remarks. She rightly mentioned the world knows whats happening in Afghanistan. I must say that Madam presents a good example of how Afghan refugees, including women in particular, who were in Pakistan, rose to prominent positions in many fields in their lives.President,3. Over half a decade since the Taliban takeover, Pakistan, as the immediate neighbor, has made rigorous efforts to help ameliorate the suffering of our Afghan brothers and sisters.4. Pakistan engaged at high levels, facilitated humanitarian relief efforts, provided visa exceptions for vulnerable Afghans, and trade and transit incentives to boost the economy, and participated in various regional cooperation initiatives, including connectivity projects, and remained at the forefront of efforts to stabilize Afghanistan and facilitate its integration with the international community.5. Despite reservations with regard to certain policies of the Taliban, Pakistan abided by its international commitments to allow unhindered humanitarian aid to Afghanistan. As noted in the SGs report, at least 687 humanitarian cargo trucks entered Afghanistan from Pakistan during the reporting period.6. Unfortunately, the hopes and expectations of the international community at that critical juncture five years ago did not materialize and in fact gradually turned into despair and disappointment. The extent of challenges in Afghanistan is evident, including from the briefing by the Deputy SRSG, and the SGs report highlights that the semblance of relative stability that the Taliban seek to display masks the accumulating risks that could impact the countrys stability over the short and long term.7. We agree with the assessment that the risks associated with human rights violations, lack of political inclusivity, acute economic pressure, and the increasing terrorist threat from Afghanistan are a cause of grave concern for the international community.8. Most indicators in Afghanistan present a declining trend. Afghanistan has once again become a safe haven for numerous terrorist groups operating with impunity from its soil. The Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan remains severely underfunded. A highly centralized system of governance is in place devoid of political inclusivity. Human rights violations, including arbitrary killings and tightening of restrictions against women and girls, have intensified, and as we have heard, the economy remains on life support, largely from donors.Mr. President,9. Terrorism has been at the core of Afghanistans problems. This finds its roots in the deep nexus between the Taliban and terrorist groups such as the TTP, BLA and its Majeed Brigade, ISIL-K, ETIM, and their affiliates that are operating with impunity on Afghan soil and the situation made worse by external actors, the spoilers who support proxies inside Afghanistan to target Pakistan and other neighboring countries.10. That is the unfortunate reality on the groundand it is Pakistan that is most directly impacted, paying a heavy cost. Over the last three years alone, more than 4,700 innocent Pakistanis have lost their lives to terrorism emanating from Afghanistan. So no country would tolerate such a situation.11. We expected that the Taliban would take concrete and verifiable actions against those terrorist groups. Regrettably, they failed to act in complete disregard for the legitimate security concerns of Pakistan and other countries. We hope that the Taliban will follow through on their word and honor their commitments made to the international community.12. The presence of advanced weapons and equipment, including drones, and huge cache of multi-billion dollar worth of arms and ammunition left behind by international forceswhich was meant for use by the previous Afghan governmentcontinues to pose a serious threat.13. We had hoped to see some analysis on UNAMAs efforts to prevent and address the illicit trade in and destabilizing accumulation of small arms and light weapons and their diversion in Afghanistan and the region, which is part of UNAMAs mandate.14. UNAMA should also report on the illicit Afghan economy that facilitates terror financing and money laundering through Hundi and Hawala networks.President15. Taliban's refusal to publicly denounce and condemn terrorist groups is evidence enough of their complicity and active support for these groups.16. Pakistan cannot sit idle in the face of this terrorist onslaught. We will respond in self-defense, as and when needed and in accordance with international law. We will defend ourselves against whosoever attempts to harm our citizens and our national security.President,17. The deteriorating humanitarian, human rights situation also demonstrates the Talibans continued backtracking on their international obligations. Women and girls are denied their fundamental freedoms and basic dignity, with discriminatory and abusive practices that contravene Islamic laws, traditions, and tenets of Muslim faith.18. From 12 to 13th July earlier this year, Pakistan hosted the 9thMinisterial Conference on Women in Islamabad, where the OIC adopted Islamabad Declaration, which expressed concern over Talibans continued restrictions on women and girls, as being inconsistent with Islamic values.19. For over four decades, Pakistan welcomed millions of Afghan refugees despite insufficient international support and also dealt with huge caseloads of illegal Afghans, including those without documentation who pose a serious threat to our security. We continue to facilitate vulnerable Afghans numbering thousands, despite limitations.20. While we provide all possible facilitation, the international community must step up and shoulder its responsibility.President,21. We look forward to the next steps of the UN-led Doha Process and action plan, the Mosaic approach, to address Afghanistan's multifaceted challenges comprehensively, with well-defined objectives and a realistic roadmap as the only viable pathway for normalization.22. Pakistan and Afghanistan are immediate neighbors having historical relations and fraternal bonds with civilizational links. Peace and stability in Afghanistan is in Pakistans national interest. Lasting peace and prosperity would require the Taliban to demonstrate responsible behavior and fulfill its international obligations to be seen as reliable partner in the region and for the wider international community.23. Pakistan, on its part, remains committed to working with all partners for durable peace and stability in Afghanistan and the welfare of its people.I thank you.******"