The Quadrilateral Group, consisting of Pakistan, China, Iran, and Russia, at a high-level meeting during the United Nations General Assembly called on Taliban-led Afghanistan to present “visible and verifiable actions” in order to dismantle terrorist groups that operate from Afghan soil. The joint statement highlighted the rising security threat that the terrorist organizations, including Daesh, Al-Qaida, Eastern Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM), Jaish ul-Adl, Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), and Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), have been posing.
Call for Non-Discriminatory Action Against Terrorist Groups
The group appealed to the Taliban government to liquidate all terrorist outfits “equally and non-discriminatory,” ensuring that Afghan territory is not used to launch attacks against its neighbors or the international community. It made this demand in response to the growing concerns about militant activity resurfacing after the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021.
Cross-border attacks: Pak army officials warn of a ‘serious possibility
Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif once more expressed his apprehension of cross border terrorism and requested Afghanistan’s interim government not to let them enter Afghan territory from where these terrorist organizations launch attacks on Pakistan. Asif said that this issue is not bilaterally related and pertains to the threat to the region. He requested that international engagement in the area of concern should also be increased.
Increasing Militant Activity in the Region
The Quadrilateral Group expressed its serious concern regarding the new wave of militant attacks in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces. Total attacks increased to 59 in these two provinces in August 2024 from 38 in July, showing an increase in the security threat posed by these groups. The group is very strongly condemning recent attacks, including Daesh assault on Karbala pilgrims and TTP attack in Bannu and Besham.
Reward Coordinated Effort Against Terrorism
The Quadrilateral Group emphasized that “a unified regional strategy is needed toward combating terrorism.” “Terrorist attacks in all forms are unacceptable,” the joint statement declared, urging further cooperation among nations to eradicate terrorism and regional stability.
Afghanistan: In Support of Sovereignty and Stability
The group reaffirmed its commitment to the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of Afghanistan and called for further international engagement for stabilizing the country to prevent it from becoming a haven for terrorism. The ministers underscored that Afghanistan must not be a ground for geo-political competition but a platform for collaborative efforts at stabilization.
Solution of the Afghan Refugee Crisis
Another of the major topics debated upon was that of the humanitarian crisis related to Afghan refugees. The Quadrilateral Group asked the Taliban to bring about conditions to enable the safe return of Afghan refugees; these refugees are mostly found in Pakistan and Iran. According to UN figures, more than 500,000 undocumented Afghans have already been repatriated since last year from Pakistan.
Call for Financial Support to Tackle Refugee Crisis
The Quadrilateral Group called upon the international community for predictable and sustained financial support to Afghanistan and countries hosting Afghan refugees. Repatriation programs also need to be well-funded and time-bound to ensure the safe return of the refugees and integration into Afghan society.
An important understanding of the threat posed by Afghanistan to regional security through drug trafficking and organized crime saw the Quadrilateral Group meeting conclude by underlining the importance of peace and stability in Afghanistan for regional security. Strengthened efforts in the fight against terrorism coupled with counter-measures to combat drug crime are considered critical in ensuring long-term stability in the region.
