Key Points
- UN Security Council unanimously extends UNAMA mandate for three months.
- Pakistan backs renewal, stresses mission’s role in Afghanistan’s stability.
- Islamabad warns of “exponential rise” in terrorism from Afghan soil.
- Pakistan warns terrorist groups are launching cross-border attacks.
- UN resolution urges Taliban to take immediate action against terrorism.
- Pakistan calls for stronger monitoring of security and illegal arms flows.
UNITED NATIONS: The United Nations Security Council has unanimously approved a three-month extension of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), with all 15 member states — including Pakistan — voting in favour of the resolution.
The move comes amid growing regional concerns over security and humanitarian challenges in Afghanistan.
Speaking during the Security Council session on Monday, Pakistan’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Usman Jadoon, reaffirmed Islamabad’s support for the renewal of UNAMA’s mandate.
He said the mission continues to play an important role in promoting peace, stability and security in Afghanistan, a country grappling with multiple crises such as terrorism, human rights concerns, narcotics trafficking and declining humanitarian assistance.
Jadoon also acknowledged China’s role as the penholder on the resolution, praising Beijing’s efforts to facilitate consensus among council members and ensure the unanimous adoption of the measure.
However, the Pakistani diplomat used the occasion to highlight what he described as the most pressing challenge facing Afghanistan and the region — the worsening security situation and the rapid rise in terrorism originating from Afghan territory.
According to Jadoon, several terrorist organisations are operating from within Afghanistan and launching cross-border attacks against Pakistan. He said certain elements within the Taliban administration are either cooperating with these groups or allowing them to function freely.
Explanation of Vote by Ambassador Usman Jadoon, Deputy Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the UN,
At the UN Security Council on the Adoption of Resolution for the mandate renewal of UNAMA
(16th March 2026)
********Mr. President,
Pakistan has voted in favor of the… pic.twitter.com/Ai1whOL9mW
— Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the UN (@PakistanUN_NY) March 16, 2026
The organisations he mentioned included Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), the Majeed Brigade, Daesh-K, Al Qaeda and the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM).
He stated that these groups have been responsible for attacks targeting Pakistani civilians, security personnel and key infrastructure, raising serious concerns for regional security.
Referring to the newly adopted resolution, Jadoon noted that the Security Council had expressed concern about terrorist organisations that continue to pose a threat to international peace and stability.
The council also urged the Taliban authorities to take immediate, concrete and verifiable measures to prevent terrorist groups from operating within Afghanistan.
The resolution further emphasised the importance of properly managing weapons and ammunition in Afghanistan to ensure they do not fall into the hands of terrorist groups.
Highlighting UNAMA’s responsibilities, the Pakistani envoy said the mission should closely monitor the evolving security landscape in Afghanistan and enhance international understanding of the country’s illicit economic activities.
He added that UNAMA could also support efforts aimed at controlling illegal arms trafficking and help create conditions that would enable Afghan refugees to return safely and sustainably.
Jadoon also warned that misinformation campaigns by some local Taliban elements were hindering UNAMA’s ability to operate effectively across the country.
At the same time, he urged the mission to present balanced and objective reporting that takes into account the security concerns of Afghanistan’s neighbouring countries.
Concluding his remarks, the ambassador expressed hope that the three-month extension would provide an opportunity for the Security Council to reassess UNAMA’s role and ensure it contributes meaningfully to long-term peace and stability in Afghanistan — both internally and in its relations with neighbouring states.
