By Khushal Khan

The United Nations has once again raised alarm over the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) operating from Afghan soil, confirming that the Afghan Taliban continue to provide logistical and operational support to the militant group. The UN Security Council’s November 30 report highlighted that thousands of TTP militants are living inside Afghanistan, using the territory as a base for attacks against Pakistan.

In recent months, the TTP has carried out a dozen attacks, including a planned assault on students at Wana Cadet College, which was foiled by Pakistani security forces, leaving all students safe. The group has a history of targeting civilians: in December 2014, TTP militants attacked the Peshawar Army Public School, killing over 140 students and staff. Between 2009 and 2018, TTP also destroyed hundreds of schools for girls and boys across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, severely impacting education in the region.

Pakistani officials have repeatedly attempted to convince the Taliban, since 2021 through October 2025, to sever ties with the TTP and prevent the group from using Afghan territory to launch attacks. However, Taliban leaders have largely resisted, often justifying their protection of TTP fighters by citing the group’s cooperation during operations against US forces in Afghanistan.

The failure to curb TTP activities has affected trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Cross-border trade routes remain largely closed, leading to higher prices for essential goods for Afghan citizens while Pakistani exporters face disruptions in shipments to Afghanistan.

Several international actors, including Qatar and Türkiye, have attempted to mediate between Pakistan and the Taliban, but their efforts have not led to decisive action against the TTP. Saudi Arabia and Iran have also reportedly joined diplomatic efforts to find a solution and reduce tensions in the region.

The UN Security Council’s latest assessment warns that continued Taliban support for TTP militants poses a significant threat to regional security, undermining humanitarian efforts and complicating international attempts to stabilize Afghanistan. Analysts note that without sustained pressure on the Taliban to cut ties with militant groups, Pakistan and the wider region will remain vulnerable to cross-border terrorism.

While analysts believe that the Afghan Taliban’s growing ties with India could further destabilize the region. Following Pakistan’s decisive military action in May, which destroyed several Indian bases and key military facilities during a brief conflict, there are concerns that India now using the Taliban and TTP militants to exert pressure on Pakistan. Such developments could significantly escalate tensions along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border and heighten the risk of cross-border violence in South Asia.