Report raises fresh concerns over militancy operating from Afghan territory

A security report has raised fresh concerns about militant networks allegedly operating from Afghanistan and carrying out attacks inside Pakistan. The report says 260 Afghan nationals linked to militant activity were identified among those killed during security operations in Pakistan.

ISLAMABAD, September 25: A security report has raised fresh concerns about militant networks allegedly operating from Afghanistan and carrying out attacks inside Pakistan. The report says 260 Afghan nationals linked to militant activity were identified among those killed during security operations in Pakistan.

According to the report, the identities of the individuals were established through detailed records containing personal and family information. It argues that these findings challenge repeated statements by the Afghan Taliban authorities denying that Afghan territory is being used to support or facilitate attacks against Pakistan.

The report also points to funerals held in Afghanistan for some of the militants killed in Pakistan. It claims that representatives of the Afghan Taliban authorities attended a number of these ceremonies, which the report presents as an indication of connections between militant groups and elements within the Afghan administration.

The document further alleges that a large share of militants crossing into Pakistan from Afghanistan are Afghan nationals. It claims that militant groups have access to weapons and equipment originally supplied to Afghan security forces by the United States and NATO including assault rifles, sniper weapons and night-vision technology.

The report says Pakistan has paid a significant human cost as a result of attacks it attributes to militants operating from Afghan territory. It cites figures for 2026 showing 1,327 Pakistani deaths and 2,484 injuries linked to terrorism allegedly originating from Afghanistan.

The report also refers to assessments by the United Nations concerning militant groups based in Afghanistan. It says the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, referred to in the document as Fitna al Khawarij, has several thousand members operating from Afghan territory.

It further alleges that militant training facilities have been established in parts of eastern and southern Afghanistan, including Kunar, Nangarhar, Khost and Paktika. The report claims that militants use these locations for training and preparation before carrying out attacks across the border.

Beyond the TTP, the report cites the presence of other international militant organisations in Afghanistan, including Al Qaeda, the East Turkestan Islamic Movement and ISIS. It argues that the continued presence of multiple groups represents a broader security challenge rather than an isolated threat.

Pakistan has repeatedly called for militant sanctuaries and training facilities to be dismantled and for Afghan territory not to be used for attacks against Pakistan.

The allegations contained in the report remain part of an ongoing dispute between Islamabad and the Afghan Taliban authorities. Pakistan has accused groups based in Afghanistan of conducting cross-border attacks, while Afghan authorities have repeatedly rejected allegations that they allow their territory to be used against neighboring countries.

The report has nevertheless renewed attention on border security, militant movement and the wider regional security situation between Pakistan and Afghanistan.