Moscow meeting raises alarm over terrorism threat from Afghanistan

The special representatives of Pakistan, China, Russia, and Iran met in Moscow for a Quadrilateral Meeting on Afghanistan, voicing deep concern over the growing threat of terrorism emanating from Afghan soil and its implications for regional peace and stability.

The delegates expressed serious concern about the continued presence of internationally designated terrorist organizations, including Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM), Jaish ul-Adl, ISIL (ISIS-K), and Al-Qaeda. They warned that these groups threaten not only Afghanistan’s internal security but also the stability of neighboring states.

In a joint statement issued after the talks on Tuesday, the four countries reaffirmed their “steadfast commitment to a stable, sovereign, and peaceful Afghanistan.” They stressed the need for an Afghanistan free from terrorism, drug trafficking, and external interference.

The envoys urged the Afghan interim authorities to prevent the use of Afghan territory by any militant group to threaten or attack other countries.

The representatives emphasized that collective regional efforts are essential to counter the growing terrorist threats. They highlighted the importance of enhanced coordination, intelligence sharing, and joint counterterrorism actions to prevent the reemergence of terrorist safe havens in the region.

“Only through sustained cooperation can we ensure long-term stability and security for our nations,” the statement said.

The meeting also reviewed the broader political and economic landscape in Afghanistan since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021. The participants reiterated the need for an inclusive political framework in Kabul that guarantees the rights of all ethnic and social groups.

They underscored that such inclusivity would help establish durable peace and strengthen Afghanistan’s engagement with its neighbors.

The Moscow gathering is part of a continuing series of multilateral consultations among Afghanistan’s neighboring countries. These meetings aim to coordinate regional positions and responses to the evolving security and political situation in Afghanistan.

The four nations agreed to maintain regular dialogue under the quadrilateral format to advance peace, connectivity, and collective counterterrorism efforts.

They reaffirmed that their cooperation would remain focused on addressing the shared challenges of terrorism and instability while promoting a peaceful and connected region.

The Moscow meeting concluded with a pledge to continue consultations and strengthen regional cooperation frameworks to confront the evolving threats and opportunities in Afghanistan and beyond.