Pakistan has called for a stronger and forward-looking global response to terrorism.
It has urged the UN Security Council to strengthen its counterterrorism framework. Pakistan also called for gaps in the current sanctions system to be addressed.
Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, made the remarks at a Security Council debate.
The debate focused on threats to international peace and security from terrorist acts 25 years after 9/11.
Pakistan Pays Tribute to 9/11 Victims
Ambassador Asim Iftikhar paid tribute to all victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Seven Pakistani nationals were among those who died in the attacks.
He also expressed solidarity with the US government and people.
The ambassador recalled the global response to 9/11. He said the Security Council took immediate action after the attacks.
That response included the adoption of Resolution 1373. The resolution remains a key part of the UN counterterrorism framework.
Pakistan Highlights Its Counterterrorism Role
Asim Iftikhar highlighted Pakistan’s role on the frontline of the global fight against terrorism.
He said Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts, intelligence cooperation and security coordination with international partners had significantly weakened al-Qaeda’s capabilities.
He added that Pakistan’s efforts and active cooperation played a major role in international operations against al-Qaeda.
However, he stressed that Pakistan had paid a heavy price in the fight against terrorism.
More than 90,000 Pakistanis have died in terrorist attacks since the start of the current century, according to the ambassador. The victims included security personnel, law enforcement officers and civilians.
Pakistan has also suffered sustained economic losses from terrorism, he said.
Terrorist Threats Have Changed
The Pakistani envoy said the nature of terrorism has changed since the Security Council’s response to 9/11.
He said new threats have emerged and the global terrorism landscape has taken new forms.
Asim Iftikhar called for stronger sanctions mechanisms to close gaps in the international counterterrorism system.
He also highlighted the rise of far-right extremism. In addition, he pointed to continued terrorist threats in Africa, the Middle East and Afghanistan.
Terrorist groups now use modern technology for propaganda, radicalization, recruitment, communication and financing, he said.
Pakistan Raises Concern Over Terrorism From Afghanistan
The ambassador expressed particular concern over terrorism originating from Afghanistan.
He said more than 4,700 Pakistanis had been killed in terrorist attacks over the past three years.
He called for effective international action against terrorist groups, including the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM) and Islamic State.
Asim Iftikhar also warned about the growing use of the dark web, virtual assets and cryptocurrencies to finance terrorism.
He said the threat could grow significantly without effective regulation.
Pakistan Calls for Comprehensive Strategy
The Pakistani envoy called for a comprehensive approach to counterterrorism.
He urged balanced implementation of all four pillars of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy.
He also called for greater focus on the root causes of terrorism and conditions that allow extremist groups to operate.
Asim Iftikhar said accountability should also apply in situations involving foreign occupation.
He argued that occupying powers should face accountability. They should not receive impunity for actions against people exercising their right to self-determination.
Call for Stronger International Cooperation
The ambassador said the global response must keep pace with the rapidly changing terrorist threat.
He urged countries to act faster and stay ahead of emerging threats.
Asim Iftikhar called on the Security Council to fulfill its responsibilities and ensure that perpetrators face justice.
He also urged stronger international cooperation and regional coordination to build a united front against terrorism.
