Pakistan has called for concrete action against militant groups operating from Afghanistan, saying the Afghan terror threat is creating serious challenges for regional peace, security and economic development.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar made the remarks while addressing the 27th informal meeting of the Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO) Council of Ministers in New York on September 26. He said Pakistan wants a peaceful, stable and prosperous Afghanistan that is integrated with the wider region and maintains peaceful relations with its neighbours.
Dar said Pakistan had consistently pursued constructive engagement with the Taliban government, while seeking action against groups that Islamabad says threaten its security. He specifically called for concrete and verifiable measures against the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and other militant organisations.
According to Dar, eliminating the Afghan terror threat is essential for achieving sustainable peace and development across the region. He also highlighted Pakistan’s efforts to maintain trade and transit links with Afghanistan despite ongoing security concerns.
Pakistan has offered bilateral and transit trade concessions to Afghanistan and is also supporting a feasibility study for the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan railway project. The proposed railway is viewed as part of broader efforts to improve regional connectivity and link Central Asian markets with ports on the Arabian Sea.
During the meeting, Dar also discussed wider regional and Middle Eastern tensions, reaffirming Pakistan’s stated support for peaceful dispute resolution under international law. He said Pakistan was continuing diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions and facilitating dialogue.
As chair of the ECO Council of Ministers for 2026-27, Pakistan has identified regional trade, economic integration, digital connectivity, transit corridors and climate cooperation as key priorities.
Dar said ECO countries represent nearly half a billion people but account for only a modest share of global trade, highlighting the potential for greater economic cooperation among member states.
The meeting was held alongside the 81st UN General Assembly and set the stage for the next ECO ministerial meeting in Islamabad in November.
