Terrorism Pakistan urges UN Security Council to strengthen global response

Pakistan has urged the United Nations Security Council to strengthen the global fight against terrorism, warning that militant groups are adopting new methods and exploiting modern technology to spread extremism, recruit members and raise funds.

Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, made the call during a Security Council debate marking 25 years since the 9/11 attacks.

The debate, titled “Threats to International Peace and Security Caused by Terrorist Acts: 25 Years after 9/11, the Security Council’s Fight Against Terrorism,” examined the evolving international terrorist threat.

Ahmad began by paying tribute to the victims of the September 11 attacks, including seven Pakistanis. He also expressed solidarity with the US government and American people.

He recalled the Security Council’s immediate response to the attacks, including the adoption of Resolution 1373. The resolution remains a key part of the UN’s international counterterrorism framework.

Ahmad highlighted Pakistan’s long-standing role in international counterterrorism efforts. He said military and intelligence operations, intelligence sharing and security cooperation had helped weaken Al-Qaeda.

He added that some of the international community’s major successes against Al-Qaeda resulted from Pakistan’s counterterrorism operations and cooperation with international partners.

However, Ahmad stressed that Pakistan had paid a heavy price for its fight against terrorism. He said more than 90,000 Pakistanis, including civilians, security personnel and law enforcement officers, had died in terrorist attacks since the beginning of the century.

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He also highlighted the significant economic losses caused by terrorism.

The Pakistani envoy called for reforms to the UN sanctions system. He said governments must close loopholes that terrorist organisations could exploit to bypass international restrictions.

Ahmad also warned about the growth of far-right extremism and continuing terrorist threats across Africa, the Middle East and Afghanistan.

He said modern technology had created new opportunities for terrorist organisations. Militant groups increasingly use online platforms and digital tools for propaganda, radicalisation, recruitment, communication and fundraising.

Ahmad expressed particular concern about terrorism linked to Afghanistan. He said more than 4,700 Pakistanis had been killed in terrorist attacks during the past three years.

He called for effective international action against groups including the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, Balochistan Liberation Army, East Turkestan Islamic Movement and Daesh.

The ambassador also warned that terrorist groups were increasingly using the dark web, virtual assets and cryptocurrencies to raise and transfer money.

He urged governments to strengthen regulatory systems to prevent terrorist financing and limit the ability of militant groups to exploit emerging financial technologies.

Ahmad argued that the international community should adopt a broader approach to counterterrorism rather than relying only on military and security measures.

He called for full implementation of all four pillars of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. He also stressed the need to address conditions that can allow terrorism and extremist movements to grow.

The Pakistani envoy further raised the issues of foreign occupation and self-determination. He argued that occupying powers should face accountability for their actions and should not be allowed to operate without consequences against people seeking their right to self-determination.