The Quadrilateral Group, comprising Pakistan, China, Russia, and Iran, raised concerns about the growing security challenges in Afghanistan, warning that terrorist groups based in the country pose serious threats to regional and global security. They urged the Afghan Taliban government to take immediate action against all terror groups without bias.
Since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in 2021, Pakistan has witnessed an increase in militant attacks, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan, both bordering Afghanistan. The Pak Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS) reported a significant rise in attacks in August 2024 compared to July. The number of attacks jumped from 38 to 59, with KP and Balochistan experiencing the majority of the violence.
The Pakistani government has repeatedly urged Afghanistan’s rulers to stop groups like the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) from using Afghan soil to launch attacks. However, these requests have yet to bring about effective results, leading to further instability in the region.
On September 27, 2024, during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session in New York, the Quadrilateral Group held a meeting. Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, along with the foreign ministers of China, Russia, and Iran, attended the session. The leaders condemned terrorist groups such as Daesh, Al-Qaida, the TTP, and others for threatening security.
Leaders Condemn Recent Terrorist Attacks
They also condemned recent terrorist attacks in Afghanistan and the region, including assaults on Karbala pilgrims and incidents in Pakistan. They emphasized the need for Afghanistan to take strong measures to dismantle terrorist groups and prevent cross-border attacks.
The ministers called for closer cooperation at both bilateral and multilateral levels to combat terrorism. They encouraged Afghanistan to address the root causes of terrorism to achieve lasting peace. Furthermore, the four nations reaffirmed their support for Afghanistan’s sovereignty and urged the Afghan Taliban government to follow international laws and respect the rights of the Afghan people.
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They also called on the Afghan government to create conditions for Afghan refugees to return home safely and reintegrate into society. The international community was urged to provide financial support to help repatriate refugees and assist neighboring countries like Pakistan and Iran, which host many Afghan refugees.
In conclusion, the Quadrilateral Group stressed the importance of joint efforts to maintain peace and stability in Afghanistan. They highlighted that cooperation is crucial to counter the threats of terrorism and crime coming from Afghan territory.