Terrorism must not be used as a tool of state policy

October 9, 2026

Pakistan has once again raised serious concerns about terrorism and regional security at the United Nations. During discussions at the UN General Assembly, Pakistan accused India of supporting militant groups operating against Pakistan and of using its engagement with Afghanistan to advance its interests against Islamabad.

Speaking during a right of reply, Pakistani representative Counsellor Muhammad Jawad Ajmal alleged that India was providing material and logistical assistance to Afghanistan’s Taliban authorities under the cover of humanitarian support. He also accused India of supporting the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) through networks based in Afghanistan.

These are serious allegations and should not be ignored by the international community. At the same time, such claims should be examined through credible evidence and international mechanisms.

There should be no confusion on one basic point: terrorism is unacceptable, regardless of who carries it out or who supports it. No country should use militant groups as proxies to weaken another country. If any state is found providing money, weapons, training, safe havens or other support to terrorist organisations, it should face international accountability.

Pakistan has paid a heavy price in its fight against terrorism. Pakistani officials told the UN that more than 100,000 people had been killed and the country had suffered economic losses of more than $150 billion during its counterterrorism efforts. Pakistan has also reported thousands of deaths in terrorist attacks in recent years.

The international community therefore needs to take Pakistan’s security concerns seriously. Afghanistan must not again become a safe haven for groups carrying out attacks against neighbouring countries.

Pakistan has also raised concerns about India’s policies in occupied Jammu and Kashmir and alleged human rights violations. These issues require international attention and should be addressed according to international law and relevant UN resolutions. The wider lesson is clear. South Asia cannot achieve lasting peace while terrorism, militant proxies and violent extremism continue to be used as instruments of conflict. Peace in the region requires dialogue, respect for sovereignty and an end to support for militant violence.