Islamabad: A latest report by the United Nations Security Council Monitoring Team has contradicted the Afghan Taliban's claims by highlighting the continued presence and growing activity of terrorist groups in Afghanistan, terming it a serious threat to regional security and noting an increase in attacks against Pakistan originating from Afghan soil.

According to the report, no member state accepted the Afghan authorities' assertion that there are no terrorist groups operating in Afghanistan. The monitoring team observed that Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has enjoyed greater freedom of movement and facilitation inside Afghanistan, resulting in an escalation of attacks against Pakistan and heightened bilateral tensions.

The report further stated that Al-Qaeda has continued to receive patronage in Afghanistan and has particularly provided training and advisory support to the TTP. It also noted reports of Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) leadership being present in Kabul, raising concerns about potential external operations.

Referring to the attack on an Islamabad court, the report described it as an indication of a dangerous trend, noting that the incident resulted in the martyrdom of twelve people. It also highlighted that the killing of TTP deputy chief, terrorist Kharji Muzahem, in a Pakistani operation was a major setback for terrorist networks.

The monitoring team warned that Daesh-Khorasan remains active in northern Afghanistan and near the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, retaining significant operational capability. It added that stockpiles of abandoned US and NATO weapons in Afghanistan have increased the lethality of TTP attacks inside Pakistan.

The report revealed that the TTP has used advanced weaponry, night-vision devices and drone systems in its operations, underscoring the evolving and increasingly sophisticated nature of the terror threat emanating from the region.