Pakistan UN Envoy: Kabul Must Choose Between Peace or Isolation

Pakistan’s UN envoy Asim Iftikhar Ahmad says Kabul must choose Afghanistan’s path carefully as sanctions monitoring mission is extended by Security Council.

Ahmad welcomed the Security Council’s unanimous decision to extend the mandate of the 1988 Taliban sanctions monitoring team, calling it a “clear, unambiguous message” to Afghanistan.

He urged the team to continue proactive reporting and support the sanctions committee’s work under UN Security Council Resolution 1988, emphasizing accountability for Taliban actions.

The Taliban’s spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid criticized the extension, calling sanctions “unsuccessful” and urging Western countries to reconsider their approach, claiming they fail to resolve problems.

Countries including China, Russia, and Pakistan supported the mandate extension, highlighting the need to counter terrorism, while the U.S. warned Taliban misuse hostages for diplomatic leverage.

U.S. Deputy Ambassador Tami Bruce condemned hostage-taking tactics, saying Resolution 1988 remains vital to hold Taliban accountable for using detainees as bargaining tools.

Resolution 1988, established in June 2011, monitors UN sanctions such as asset freezes, travel bans, and arms restrictions against individuals and entities linked to the Taliban.

China emphasized combating ISIS and Al-Qaeda in Afghanistan, insisting the country must not be used as a threat to regional security, while Russia stressed focus on counterterrorism over human rights.

The extension reinforces international pressure on the Taliban to choose peace, comply with sanctions, and prevent Afghanistan from becoming a hub for terrorism or regional instability.

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