UN renews Afghanistan mission through 2027, with Pakistan warning of terror threat from Afghan soil

The United Nations Security Council Monday unanimously adopted resolution 2822 (2026), extending the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) for full one year, through to 17 June 2027, with Pakistan calling for focus on the terror threat from the Central Asian country to its neighbours

UNITED NATIONS, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 16th Jun, 2026) The United Nations Security Council Monday unanimously adopted resolution 2822 (2026), extending the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) for full one year, through to 17 June 2027, with Pakistan calling for focus on the terror threat from the Central Asian country to its neighbours.

The 15-member council approved the text, drafted by China, which includes a call for a strategic review of the mission's operations and reiterated demands regarding human rights and women's access to work.

The decision follows a shorter, three-month extension initially approved in March 2026, which was implemented to allow member states to re-evaluate the mission's effectiveness under Taliban rule.

“One of the most serious challenges in Afghanistan is the alarming rise and threat of terrorism” emanating from the country that directly affects Pakistan, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, the Pakistani ambassador, told the Security Council.

Indeed, the Pakistani envoy pointed out that the resolution expresses the Council’s serious concern over the presence of terrorist groups in Afghanistan.

"UNAMA must be fair and balanced in its reporting, and take into account the legitimate security concerns of Afghanistan's immediate neighbours, who are faced with serious threats from Afghan soil," Ambassador Asim Ahmad said.

“It is a matter of great concern that elements within the Taliban are actively collaborating with several terrorist groups,” he stressed.

The Pakistani envoy pointed out that the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and its Majeed Brigade, ISIL-K, Al-Qaida and East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM) operate with impunity inside of Afghanistan.

"Many of these terrorist groups are responsible for cross-border terrorist attacks targeting Pakistani civilians and law enforcement personnel, as well as critical infrastructure and public places," Ambassador Asim Ahmad said.

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UNAMA is entrusted with promoting Afghanistan’s compliance with all its international obligations, the Pakistani envoy affirmed, including the three key priorities of counter-terrorism, human rights and inclusive governance.

"UNAMA", he added, "must support efforts to prevent and address illicit trade in and destabilizing accumulation of small arms and light weapons and their diversion in Afghanistan and the region."

"We expect UNAMA to report objectively by providing concrete analysis on the political and security dynamics socio-economic developments, including the illicit economy, and provide assessments on risks of aid diversion, especially where cash transfers are involved. Mere mention of events and developments without context does not serve a useful purpose."

Earlier, Chinese Ambassado Fu Cong, the penholder, said the text maintains and strengthens UNAMA’s core mandate, including in coordinating international assistance, conducting political good offices and protecting human rights, while streamlining mandates.

The text underscores the critical role of UNAMA and UN entities in the country, he said. It calls for the provision of necessary security guarantees and urges the lifting of restrictions of UN female staff members to the premises.

Further, it expresses deep concern over the economic and humanitarian situation in Afghanistan and calls on UNAMA to facilitate access to Afghanistan’s central bank assets.

It calls on relevant countries to return those assets as soon as possible, lift illegal unilateral sanctions and create favourable conditions for the country’s development.

The text urges UNAMA to continue to engage with the Government, including to ensure equal rights for women and girls in education, healthcare, employment, justice and public life.