For years, Afghanistan has dominated global discourse about global security. Since Afghanistan remains linked to militancy and instability, the country is viewed as an anomalous state that largely serves as a source of unrest in the wider region. Despite the presence of a plethora of evidence, the interim government of Afghanistan has denied the presence of terrorist factions in its country.
Rather than addressing the problem of terrorism export, the Afghan authorities resort to counter-accusation and painting Pakistan as the problem. Several intelligence reports and independent findings have found undeniable evidence of terrorism export from Afghanistan. A fact-based analysis of the situation remains important for exposing the terror hideouts used by the Afghan authorities for exporting the menace of terrorism.
“Afghanistan presently hosts around 6,000 TTP fighters with unhindered access to training and logistics.”
The narrative put forth by the interim Afghan government might serve political rhetoric, but this narrative stands contrary to the verifiable data released by forums such as the UN and the EU. The 36th Report of the UN panel of experts, released in August 2025, mentions that both the ISKP and TTP keep operating from Afghanistan.
UN’s Report bases its analysis on credible findings. The report infuses multiple credible intelligence findings; thus, it remains right to argue that Kabul’s assertions serve hollow political goals. Instead of issuing denial statements, the IAG must take tangible action to counter terrorism and its export across the region.
The credible findings illustrate that Afghanistan has not done much to limit the threat of ISKP. The 21st report about the threats posed by ISIL, presented to the Secretary General of the UN, estimates that Afghanistan hosts around 2,000 ISIS fighters. These terrorists are capable of staging international attacks in South Asia and abroad.
In this case, referring to ISKP as a defeated group is not just misleading but an act of dangerous complacency. Proliferating such a narrative makes the region vulnerable to a very real and tangible threat that needs to be neutralized. By refusing to acknowledge the gravity of this problem, Kabul provides the chance to ISKP for re-grouping.
The problem of ISKP is alarming, and the same remains the case with TTP, which many credible journalists consider a real and potent threat. The UN report highlights that Afghanistan presently hosts around 6,000 TTP fighters. These fighters have unhindered access to all sorts of training facilities, logistic networks, and operating zones.
TTP has also claimed responsibility for numerous cross-border attacks that resulted in the martyrdom of numerous Pakistani soldiers. The martyrdom of Pakistani civilians and the Armed forces in cross-border attacks is not a myth, but rather an unfortunate reality that no country can deny. By providing space to such fighters, IAG is violating international obligations that critically undermine regional peace and global security.
One of the most gruesome aspects shared in the recent UN and EU reports is the collaboration between ISKP, TTP, and BLA in Afghanistan’s territory. According to reports, these groups are using the ungoverned spaces in Afghanistan as a breeding ground for the export of terrorism in the wider region. Terrorist groups exploit the weak governance structure that prevails in Afghanistan and the porous borders.
Security analysts consider that, for now, Afghanistan seems to fulfill all the requisite aspects that make any state a fertile ground for breeding and exporting terrorists. Terrorist camps in Afghanistan are not isolated places; rather, different groups pool resources for coordinating attacks.
“ISKP’s presence of 2,000 fighters makes Kabul’s denial dangerous complacency.”
This design creates a multi-layered regional threat that extends beyond the borders of Afghanistan with implications for South Asia, Central Asia, and the wider European region. Ignoring the findings of UN reports, Kabul risks allowing its territory to become a hub of global terrorism.
Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has repeatedly shared statements condemning the presence of terrorist groups in Afghanistan. Besides urging Afghanistan to take concrete action against these groups, Pakistan has repeatedly shared dossiers containing authentic intelligence. Despite multiple protests and requests from Pakistan, the IAG has dismissed Pakistan’s requests by citing them as political maneuvers for defaming the de facto Afghan regime.
Besides sharing intelligence information, Pakistan has repeatedly shared the desire to develop a joint counter-terrorism framework. Pakistan considers that combating militancy remains the top priority of the two states; thus, a strategy must be developed that addresses the prevailing threats and eradicates terrorism in all its shapes and forms.
As a response to Pakistan’s offers of cooperation, the officials in Afghanistan resort to mistrust and denials. On different international platforms, Pakistan has stated that cooperation, coupled with the willingness to eradicate terror groups, must be worked upon to achieve stability in the region. The IAG, however, seems reluctant to constructively engage with Pakistan, and such an approach undermines both the bilateral relations and strategic stability in the region.
“Collaboration between ISKP, TTP, and BLA inside Afghanistan creates a multi-layered regional threat.”
The present approach of countering terrorism is benefiting neither Afghanistan nor Pakistan. It remains pertinent to acknowledge that terrorism does not respect state boundaries but rather threatens lives. The denial approach being pursued by the IAG is weakening its own credibility, and it also risks further cornering of the IAG. Pakistan, on the other hand, continues to face the brunt of the cross-border militancy.
The only practical approach remains the dismantling of the terror sanctuaries. It is now the time that IAG must hold itself accountable and should lodge concrete actions against groups that are using Afghanistan’s land. On its part, Pakistan stands ready to share intelligence with due transparency and diligence. Pakistan also believes that the international community must play a constructive role by holding the real culprits of regional terrorism accountable.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author. They do not represent the views, beliefs, or policies of the Stratheia.
