Pakistan sent a clear message to the United Nations Security Council on September 18, 2025, emphasizing the urgent danger posed to its national security. Pakistan’s Permanent Representative, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, revealed that over 60 militant camps operate inside Afghanistan. These camps are not just training grounds; they serve as launch pads for cross-border attacks targeting Pakistani civilians and security forces. This disclosure was not made lightly. It reflects years of Pakistan raising concerns over Afghanistan’s failure to take meaningful action against terrorist groups that openly use its soil. The situation is urgent, and Pakistan’s message to the world is clear: the safety of its citizens and the sovereignty of the country cannot be compromised.
The threat coming from Afghan soil is serious and multi-dimensional. These camps host a variety of terrorist organizations, including Fitna al Khawarij (FAK), ISIL-Khorasan (ISIS-K), Al-Qaeda, the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM), Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), and other extremist groups. These organizations are not isolated; they coordinate, train together, and smuggle weapons across the border. Pakistan has repeatedly shown evidence that these militants are responsible for attacks on its people and security forces. The presence of Afghan nationals among militants killed in recent operations, such as the September 22, 2025, intelligence-based raid in Dera Ismail Khan district, underscores the cross-border nature of the threat. In that operation, seven militants were eliminated, including three Afghan nationals and two suicide bombers. This incident highlights that the danger is not just internal; it originates from sanctuaries across the border that Afghanistan has consistently failed to control.
Pakistan’s response to these threats has been both firm and measured. Its security forces have carried out numerous intelligence-based operations to neutralize FAK and other militant networks. In September 2025 alone, Pakistani troops conducted operations along the border regions, eliminating dozens of terrorists while accepting heavy risk. For instance, clashes in Bajaur and South Waziristan earlier in the month resulted in the deaths of 35 militants and 12 Pakistani soldiers, showing the sacrifices made to keep the country safe. These operations demonstrate Pakistan’s commitment to its citizens and its determination to act decisively against terrorism, even when the militants operate from across a neighbor’s territory.
While Pakistan takes these security measures seriously, it has also appealed to the international community to support efforts to hold Afghanistan accountable. By presenting its case to the UN Security Council, Pakistan has called for coordinated action to dismantle these camps and prevent further attacks. The international community, including the United Nations, has recognized the seriousness of the situation, yet no concrete measures have been taken to force Afghanistan to address the problem effectively. Pakistan’s repeated warnings, including statements from Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, have emphasized that allowing Afghan soil to be used by terrorists cannot continue without consequences.
This cross-border militancy issue is not only a security problem; it is also a regional concern. Pakistan has repeatedly stated that India is supporting militant groups that target Pakistan, including alleged funding and training of FAK members. The involvement of external powers makes the situation more complex, turning local militancy into a proxy conflict that threatens stability in the entire region. Indian support, according to Pakistan, has encouraged militants to regroup and attack Pakistani security forces, putting thousands of lives at risk. These actions show that Pakistan is facing a challenge that is both internal and external, requiring a response that is strong, strategic, and backed by the people.
Pakistan has already strengthened its approach to address these challenges. Its intelligence-based operations have become more precise, targeting militant leadership and safe houses. Border management has improved with fencing, technological monitoring, and coordinated patrols, reducing the flow of militants and weapons into Pakistan. Public support within Pakistan for these measures remains strong. Pakistani citizens understand that the fight against terrorism is not limited to the army or security agencies; it is a national struggle that requires unity. Surveys have consistently shown that a majority of Pakistanis consider groups like FAK the most immediate threat to the country’s stability. This alignment between public opinion and state policy gives Pakistan the moral and political authority to act firmly against threats to its sovereignty.
Looking forward, Pakistan’s strategy is clear. While it continues to conduct operations against militants, it is also seeking accountability from Afghanistan and international partners. The goal is to dismantle terrorist networks, prevent cross-border attacks, and ensure long-term stability in the region. Pakistan’s message to Afghanistan, and indirectly to India, is unmistakable: if Afghanistan allows its soil to be used against Pakistan, or if India continues to back proxy groups targeting its neighbor, Pakistan will act to protect its people. It is a message grounded in self-defense, legality, and moral responsibility, emphasizing that sovereignty and national security are non-negotiable.
The events of September 2025, including the statements to the UN and the Dera Ismail Khan operation, underline Pakistan’s resolve. The country is prepared to act unilaterally if required, while also engaging in diplomatic efforts to achieve sustainable security. Pakistan’s stance is firm, logical, and evidence-based: the threat from Afghan-based militants is real, cross-border attacks have devastating consequences, and both regional and international actors must recognize and respond to this reality. Pakistan’s commitment to defending its citizens, securing its borders, and combating terrorism remains unwavering, reflecting the nation’s responsibility as a sovereign state in a dangerous neighborhood.
Author
