New York( The COW News Digital) Pakistan has strongly criticized the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for maintaining what it calls a biased approach in its listing of terrorists, pointing out that the council’s list disproportionately targets Muslims while excluding non-Muslim extremists.
Speaking at a UNSC meeting on “Threats to International Peace from Terrorism,” Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Aamir Iftikhar Ahmad, said the absence of any non-Muslim individuals from the UN terror list was “inexplicable and unacceptable.”
“This discriminatory practice divides the world and undermines collective efforts against terrorism,” Ambassador Ahmad declared. He stressed that terrorism has no religion, and selective targeting of Muslims reflects a “double standard” that only weakens international resolve.
The envoy warned that extremist groups have expanded their influence into the digital sphere, using social media and advanced technologies to radicalize vulnerable populations, especially young people. “Counterterrorism efforts must remain impartial, principled, and transparent,” he urged, emphasizing adherence to international law and human rights.
Highlighting Pakistan’s own security challenges, Ahmad pointed to growing collaboration among Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), and the Majid Brigade. He said these groups continue to operate from Afghan territory, posing direct threats to Pakistan’s national security. While acknowledging ongoing operations against ISIS-K in Afghanistan, he noted that TTP and Baloch militants still find safe havens across the border.
“ISIS remains a potent threat with thousands of fighters active in Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan,” he added.
The Pakistani envoy also leveled direct accusations against India, alleging that New Delhi not only sponsors terrorism inside Pakistan but also targets Pakistanis abroad. Citing an attack in May this year that killed 54 civilians, including women and children, Ahmad said India’s actions represented “state-sponsored terrorism” that the UNSC must not ignore.
He cautioned against labeling state oppression and occupation as counterterrorism, calling it a “dangerous trend.” According to him, silence on such practices undermines the credibility of the council itself.
Concluding his remarks, Ambassador Ahmad called for a comprehensive and fair global counterterrorism framework that rejects double standards and avoids stigmatizing the Islamic world. “Peace can only be achieved when the fight against terrorism is conducted with justice and impartiality,” he stated.
