Pakistan Raises Fresh Concerns Over Terrorist Sanctuaries in Afghanistan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has raised fresh concerns over the continued presence and activity of terrorist groups on Afghan soil, saying available evidence and international assessments point to the use of Afghanistan as a base for cross-border attacks against Pakistan.

Pakistan maintains that the Afghan Taliban regime has failed to take effective action against terrorist groups operating from its territory despite repeated diplomatic warnings and evidence presented by Islamabad.

260 Afghan Terrorists Identified

According to information shared by Pakistani security authorities, 260 Afghan terrorists killed in Pakistan have been identified along with their names, addresses and family details.

The information provided by Pakistani authorities said the figure does not include unidentified militants or terrorists who remain active.

It further said the funerals of several Afghan terrorists killed in Pakistan were held in their native areas of Afghanistan, with officials of the Afghan Taliban regime also attending some of the funerals.

TTP Presence in Afghanistan

Pakistan has repeatedly raised concerns over the presence of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other militant groups in Afghanistan.

According to a United Nations Security Council report, TTP has an estimated strength of between 6,000 and 6,500 fighters. The report also said the group has conducted more than 600 attacks during the relevant reporting period, including attacks launched from Afghan territory against Pakistan.

The UN report further noted that TTP had established new training centres in Kunar, Nangarhar, Khost and Paktika, while Taliban-linked personnel and Al-Qaeda figures were reported to have been involved in training and support networks.

Pakistan Says Foreign-Supplied Weapons Being Used

Pakistani authorities have also raised concerns over the availability of weapons left behind by US and NATO forces in Afghanistan.

According to the information provided by Pakistani security sources, weapons and equipment including US-made M4 rifles, Remington sniper rifles and night-vision devices have subsequently appeared in the possession of militant groups operating against Pakistan.

These assertions have not been independently verified in every individual case, while the Afghan Taliban regime has rejected accusations that it allows Afghan territory to be used for attacks against Pakistan.

Rising Human Cost for Pakistan

Pakistan says cross-border militancy originating from Afghanistan has imposed a heavy human and security cost.

According to figures provided by Pakistani authorities, 1,327 Pakistanis have been martyred and 2,484 injured in terrorism linked to Afghan territory during 2026.

The figures encompass security personnel and civilians, according to the Pakistani account, although the breakdown and methodology behind the figures were not provided.

Pakistan has also accused India of supporting militant groups operating against the country, including TTP and Fitna al-Hindustan, and says these groups use Afghan territory for cross-border terrorism.

UN Reports Presence of Other Terrorist Groups

UN assessments have also documented the presence of several international and regional terrorist organisations in Afghanistan.

The UN has reported continuing activity involving Al-Qaeda, ISIL-K and ETIM/TIP, alongside TTP and other militant organisations. A UN monitoring report has also highlighted cooperation and links between TTP, the Taliban and Al-Qaeda.

The findings have kept concerns over Afghanistan’s role as a base for militant organisations on the international security agenda.

Pakistan Demands End to Cross-Border Terrorism

Pakistan’s position remains that Afghan territory must not be used against neighbouring countries and that militant sanctuaries operating from Afghanistan should be dismantled.

Islamabad has repeatedly called on the Afghan Taliban regime to prevent terrorist groups from using its territory for attacks against Pakistan.

Pakistan has also maintained that it reserves the right to take measures to protect its citizens, sovereignty and territorial integrity against cross-border terrorism.

The continuing dispute has contributed to heightened tensions along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, with both sides accusing each other of security violations. The United Nations has repeatedly urged restraint and called for the protection of civilians amid the escalation.