UN Extends Taliban Sanctions Monitoring Mandate Amid Rising Security Concerns

The United Nations Security Council has unanimously extended the mandate of the Monitoring Team supporting the 1988 Afghanistan Sanctions Committee for another year, reinforcing global oversight of sanctions imposed on the Taliban.

All 15 council members backed the US-drafted resolution, renewing the team’s mandate until February 17, 2027. The move comes as international alarm grows over Afghanistan’s deteriorating security landscape and the expanding footprint of terrorist groups operating from its territory.

Pakistan Warns of Escalating Terror Threat

Pakistan, which voted in favor of the resolution, highlighted threats posed by:

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  Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP)

  
  


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  Baloch Liberation Army (BLA)

  
  


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  Islamic State – Khorasan Province (ISIL-K)

  
  


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  Al-Qaeda

  
  


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  Majeed Brigade

  
  

Pakistan’s UN Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad said these groups were responsible for deadly attacks, including incidents this month that killed 80 people. He accused militants of using Afghan soil to plan cross-border assaults and urged Taliban authorities to prevent their territory from serving as a launchpad for terrorism.

“It is for the Taliban to choose between isolation or peace and prosperity as a responsible member of the international community,” he stated.