Terrorist Groups in Afghanistan Pose Security Threat, Reads Iran & Pakistan’s Statement

After Iran President’s visit to Pakistan, in a joint statement with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif both leaders asserted that terrorist organisations operating from Afghanistan are a significant threat to regional and global security.

The 28-article statement, released by Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday, highlights the shared concerns of Iran and Pakistan regarding security. Article 17 specifically labels "the presence of terrorist organisations in Afghanistan" as a serious threat.

The document advocates for broader participation from all Afghan societal segments in key decision-making to bolster peace and stability in the region. Furthermore, it reaffirms the commitment of both nations to foster the development of Afghanistan as a stable, independent nation, devoid of terrorism and narcotics trafficking threats.

President Raisi and Prime Minister Sharif emphasised on the necessity of synchronised regional and international efforts to secure and stabilise the region. Their joint statement also addresses mutual engagement, trade, economic relations, counter-terrorism, geographic strategic importance, the Kashmir issue, prisoner exchanges, and the conflict between Hamas and Israel.

With the resurgence of the Taliban, the region has seen an uptick in security incidents, especially in states bordering Afghanistan. The Taliban have declared their intent not to allow Afghan soil to be used for activities against other countries.

Notably, ISIS-Khorasan and the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan have been identified as significant threats to both Iran and Pakistan. Pakistan has repeatedly accused the Taliban of providing sanctuary and support to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan terrorist groups, urging the Taliban to take action against them—a claim the Taliban consistently refutes.

President Raisi’s visit also included stops in Lahore and Karachi, where he engaged with Pakistani officials. Following his visit to Pakistan, he travelled to Sri Lanka.