The latest UNSC monitoring team report has reignited an old but unresolved debate: is Afghanistan once again becoming a safe space for militant groups, and what does that mean for Pakistan and the wider region? The report challenges the Afghan Taliban's claim that no terrorist organisations operate from Afghan soil. It states that groups such as TTP, Al-Qaeda and ISKP remain active, and that attacks against Pakistan have increased.

The real issue, however, is not about scoring diplomatic points. The core question is whether denial, blame and isolated military actions can address what is clearly a cross-border and structural security problem.

According to the report, no UNSC member state accepted Kabul's assertion that there are no terrorist groups in Afghanistan. In international diplomacy, when multiple countries quietly reject a claim, it reflects a shared assessment. The report further notes that the TTP has gained greater operational freedom in Afghanistan, which has contributed to increased attacks inside Pakistan. It also highlights that Al-Qaeda has provided training and advisory support to the TTP.

For Pakistan, this confirms longstanding concerns. Islamabad has repeatedly argued that TTP militants use Afghan territory as a sanctuary. Since the Taliban returned to power in Kabul in August 2021, Pakistan has witnessed a noticeable rise in militant violence. However, while Pakistan's concerns appear validated by the UN findings, the issue is more complex than a simple accusation against Kabul.

To understand the present situation, one must look at history. Afghanistan has been in continuous conflict for over four decades - from........

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