Islamabad: Afghanistan must take decisive measures to prevent terrorist groups from using its territory to launch attacks on Pakistan, Sardar Masood Khan, former Ambassador of Pakistan to the United States, China, and the United Nations, and former President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, stated during an interview on the security dynamics between the two countries.

According to former President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Ambassador Khan emphasized Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts alongside strategies to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity, citing Article 51 of the United Nations Charter which acknowledges a nation’s right to self-defense. He highlighted the inconclusive nature of the Moscow consultations concerning cross-border attacks, which revealed persistent disagreements between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban authorities.

Ambassador Khan referred to reports from the United Nations Security Council that pointed to the activities of terrorist groups such as Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) within Afghanistan. He expressed concerns about the alleged support these groups receive, including financing, safe havens, and freedom of movement, which pose significant security challenges for Pakistan.

While Pakistan has exercised restraint since the Afghan Taliban’s return to power in 2021, Khan remarked, it has consistently pursued diplomatic solutions. He noted China’s proposal to integrate Afghanistan into the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a potential pathway towards economic cooperation and regional stability, although the plan has yet to be actualized.

Ambassador Khan reiterated the broader regional threat posed by terrorism originating from Afghan territory, affecting not only Pakistan but also Central Asia and beyond. He urged Afghan leaders to recognize the detrimental impact of supporting militant organizations on Afghanistan’s stability and international engagement prospects.

Recalling Pakistan’s initiatives to facilitate international engagement with Afghanistan’s new authorities, Khan underscored the importance of diplomacy and the deep historical, cultural, and familial ties between the two nations. However, he stressed the need for practical actions over assurances, pointing out the lack of progress in disarming or demobilizing terrorist groups, even as attacks continue to impact Pakistani civilians and security personnel.

In conclusion, Ambassador Khan called for sustained diplomatic efforts, emphasizing that lasting peace is contingent on ending cross-border terrorism, respecting Pakistan’s sovereignty, and fostering regional connectivity and economic cooperation.