Pakistan claims ISIS presence in Afghanistan; Taliban calls it baseless

KABUL: Aasim Iftikhar Ahmad, Pakistan’s representative to UN, stated that ISIS-Khorasan branch (ISIS-K) has approximately 2,000 fighters in Afghanistan, posing a serious threat to regional and global security. He also mentioned that the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has around 6,000 fighters within Afghan territory, significantly endangering Pakistan’s security. He noted, “Terrorist activities within Afghanistan and threats arising from them are significant not only for Afghanistan but for entire region and world.” Ahmad emphasized that terrorist groups in Afghanistan share resources, intelligence, and locations for joint operations. He warned that dangers emanating from Afghanistan threaten not only Pakistan’s borders but also international security. He urged the Taliban to take effective measures against terrorist groups operating in Afghanistan. He acknowledged that while Taliban are engaged in conflict with ISIS-K, TTP and Baloch groups still find refuge in areas beyond Taliban control. This comes as Taliban has consistently denied presence of terrorist groups in Afghanistan, asserting that members of ISIS-K enter country from Pakistan and Iran to carry out attacks. Taliban’s spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid, dismissed concerns raised by some members of UN Security Council regarding presence of terrorist groups in Afghanistan as “baseless” and urged all parties not to destabilize Afghanistan unnecessarily. Meanwhile, a representative from China also called on Taliban to take serious steps to eliminate terrorist groups in Afghanistan, encouraging regional countries to utilize existing mechanisms, including initiatives from the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). Additionally, a recent report UN Secretary-General indicated that ISIS-K remains a serious threat to global security, continuing to recruit fighters and secure financial resources in Afghanistan, Europe, and Central Asia.