The United Nations Security Council on Thursday unanimously extended the mandate of the Monitoring Team assisting the 1988 Afghanistan Sanctions Committee, which oversees measures imposed on the Taliban, for another year.
All 15 members backed the US-drafted resolution, renewing the team’s mandate until February 17, 2027. The move comes against the backdrop of growing international alarm over Afghanistan’s fragile security environment, the expanding footprint of militant groups, and the risk of wider regional instability.
Supporting the resolution, Pakistan highlighted the persistent threat from the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), Islamic State – Khorasan Province (ISIL-K), Majeed Brigade and Al-Qaeda.
Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, said these outfits were behind some of the deadliest attacks in Pakistan, noting that 80 people had been killed in incidents this month alone. He stressed that Afghan territory continued to be used to plan and launch assaults against neighbouring states and urged the Taliban authorities to prevent such activity.
“It is for the Taliban to decide what path they wish to choose for Afghanistan — whether the path to isolation or the path to peace and prosperity as a responsible member of the international community,” he said.
The ambassador also underscored the council’s concern over Afghanistan’s worsening humanitarian and human rights situation, particularly the condition of women and girls, economic decline, political exclusion and the impact of drug trafficking.
The resolution reiterates that Afghan soil must not serve as a safe haven for terrorist groups and calls on member states to block ransom payments or political concessions benefiting hostage-takers and militants.
The Monitoring Team’s 37th report, released this week, described Afghanistan as a permissive environment for multiple terrorist organisations, especially TTP. It cited mounting regional unease over cross-border attacks, radicalisation of vulnerable communities, and the use of commercial satellite communications and artificial intelligence by militant groups.
While Afghan authorities maintain that no terrorist groups operate in the country, the report noted that no UN member state supported that claim.
Although the de facto authorities have taken steps against ISIL-K and restricted certain external operations of other outfits, TTP has reportedly enjoyed greater operational latitude, contributing to a surge in attacks against Pakistan and heightened regional tensions.
On Al-Qaeda, the report said the group’s intent and capacity for external operations remain intact. It continues to function as a training and advisory hub, particularly for TTP, and favours high-profile attacks aimed at attracting global media attention.
Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS), though not under UN sanctions, remains active in southeastern Afghanistan, particularly in areas linked to the Haqqani Network. The report indicated that senior AQIS figures are believed to be based in Kabul, with its media operations run from Herat. Member states warned that AQIS is increasingly pursuing deniable external operations, possibly through front groups, to avoid complicating the Taliban’s position.
TTP, described as one of the largest militant groups operating from Afghanistan, has stepped up attacks on Pakistani security forces and state institutions. Despite recent losses, including the killing of a senior deputy leader, the group remains a significant threat. The Monitoring Team cautioned that closer coordination between TTP and Al-Qaeda-aligned factions could broaden the threat beyond the immediate region.
ISIL-K, though under pressure from Taliban actions and regional counterterrorism efforts, retains substantial combat strength, particularly in northern Afghanistan and near the Pakistani border. The group continues to recruit online and explore alliances with other armed factions.
The report also flagged concerns over the East Turkistan Islamic Movement (ETIM/TIP), which allegedly benefits from Afghan patronage and has integrated some members into Taliban security structures. Some fighters have reportedly called for relocation to Afghanistan in preparation for operations targeting China’s Xinjiang region.
Meanwhile, the BLA — not subject to UN sanctions — has carried out attacks on Pakistani forces and China-Pakistan Economic Corridor projects. Although counterterrorism operations have constrained its activities, some member states reported coordination between BLA, TTP and ISIL-K through shared training and logistical networks.
The Monitoring Team’s findings are expected to inform further Security Council deliberations on Afghanistan’s security trajectory and the effectiveness of the current sanctions regime.
Pakistan and other member states stressed that the renewed mandate reinforces the need for the Taliban to take sustained and verifiable action against militant groups, ensure Afghan territory is not used for cross-border attacks, and uphold commitments to international peace and security.