UN monitoring team says banned TTP enjoys Afghan Taliban tolerance, warns of regional spillover and growing militant coordination.
A latest report submitted to the United Nations Security Council has confirmed a significant increase in attacks against Pakistan by the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) operating from Afghan territory, endorsing Islamabad’s long-standing concerns over militant sanctuaries across the border.
The 37th report of the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team, dated February 4, states that Afghanistan has become a permissive environment for multiple terrorist groups whose activities are directly impacting regional security, particularly Pakistan. The report notes that attacks launched by TTP from Afghanistan have intensified, triggering military exchanges and further straining regional relations.
TTP Given ‘Greater Liberty’ in Afghanistan
According to the UN assessment, Afghan de facto authorities claim that no terrorist groups are present inside Afghanistan; however, the report stresses that “no member state supported this view.” While action has been taken against Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISIL-K), the report says TTP continues to receive preferential treatment.
“TTP was accorded greater liberty and support from the de facto authorities, and consequently TTP attacks against Pakistan increased, amplifying regional tensions,” the report stated.
The monitoring team added that TTP is now among the largest terrorist organisations operating inside Afghanistan, with attacks becoming increasingly complex and involving larger numbers of fighters.
Al Qaeda Support and Expanding Capabilities
The report further revealed that Al Qaeda continues to enjoy patronage under Afghan de facto authorities and acts as a facilitator for other terrorist outfits, particularly TTP, by providing training and strategic guidance.
It highlighted the continued presence of Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) leadership in Kabul and Herat, while noting concerns among member states over deeper cooperation between TTP and Al Qaeda-aligned groups that could expand the threat beyond the region.
Modern Weapons and Cross-Border Attacks
The UNSC report warned that terrorist groups in Afghanistan have acquired modern weapons through black-market trade and cross-border smuggling. It stated that TTP fighters were using advanced assault rifles, night-vision devices, thermal-imaging systems, sniper weapons and drone attack capabilities.
“Most of these were provided by the de facto authorities in conjunction with weapons permits and travel documents,” the report noted.
Member states also expressed concern over weapons left behind after the US withdrawal from Afghanistan, which have significantly enhanced the lethality of attacks on Pakistani security forces.
BLA, CPEC Attacks and Militant Collaboration
The report also drew attention to attacks by the banned Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) against Pakistani security forces and projects linked to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
It cited a September ambush on a Pakistani military convoy that killed 32 troops and noted that while counter-terrorism operations have restricted BLA’s operational space, the group remains active.
Some member states reported coordination between BLA, TTP and ISIL-K, including shared training camps and resources, though no confirmed links with Al Qaeda were established.
ISIL-K, ETIM and Foreign Fighters
The report said ISIL-K remains under pressure but retains strong recruitment and operational capabilities, particularly in northern Afghanistan and areas close to the Pakistan border.
It also highlighted concerns over the East Turkistan Islamic Movement / Turkistan Islamic Party, whose members reportedly move freely in Afghanistan under de facto authorities’ patronage. According to the report, ETIM members have raised funds through poppy cultivation and mining, with some joining Taliban police forces.
Pakistan’s Counter-Terrorism Response
The UN assessment described Pakistan’s actions against TTP as a major setback for the group, citing the killing of senior leadership figures, including TTP deputy emir Mufti Muzahim.
The report referenced high-profile attacks inside Pakistan, including the November attack on an Islamabad courthouse that marked a shift in TTP targeting patterns.
Pakistan’s Position on Regional Terrorism
Pakistan has repeatedly accused Afghanistan and India of enabling terrorism on its soil. The interior ministry has stated that recent attacks involved Afghan nationals linked to Daesh.
Last year, ISPR Director-General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry warned that the Afghan regime posed a threat to regional and global security, citing the presence of abandoned US military equipment and militant safe havens.
Following heightened tensions with India in 2025, Field Marshal Asim Munir reiterated that Pakistan would defeat all efforts aimed at undermining its counter-terrorism campaign.
The UNSC report concludes that regional relations remain fragile and warns that terrorist groups could exploit these tensions unless decisive international and regional action is taken.
