ISLAMABAD: The United Nations Security Council has warned that the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) gets special treatment from the Afghan Taliban, raising fears of broader security risks. According to the Council's 37th monitoring report, covering July to December 2025, the TTP benefits from Taliban tolerance, with safe houses, movement passes, and weapons permits aiding its operations. The report states, "TTP, however, was accorded greater liberty and support from the de facto authorities, and consequently, TTP attacks against Pakistan increased, amplifying regional tensions." Over 3,500 attacks were linked to TTP last year, with more than 2,100 in just the second half. The TTP is active mainly in eastern and south-eastern Afghan provinces including Kunar, Nangarhar, and Paktika. They also reportedly expand training centres, sometimes with Haqqani Network support. The report notes that around 6,000 fighters belong to TTP, bolstered by new recruits from Afghan Taliban ranks. Member states worry the group might team up more closely with Al Qaeda to hit wider targets outside the region. "Some member states expressed concern that TTP may deepen its cooperation with Al Qaeda-aligned groups in order to attack a wider range of targets, potentially resulting in an extra-regional threat," the report said. Al Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) is also active in southeast Afghanistan, providing training and advice to TTP. AQIS leaders Osama Mahmoud and Yahya Ghauri are reported in Kabul, with their media cell in Herat. The report adds that Islamic State Khorasan (ISIL-K) remains strong despite security pressures. It operates mostly in northern Afghanistan near Pakistan's border, maintaining cells and quickly recruiting online. ISIL-K is adapting by seeking alliances and expanding cybercapabilities alongside Al Qaeda. The Security Council noted, "Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant-Khorasan was under sustained counterterrorism pressure, but it retained a potent capability, coupled with intent to conduct external operations." Finally, the report highlights growing ties between militant groups. The Balochistan Liberation Army reportedly collaborates with both TTP and ISIL-K, sharing training camps and coordinating attacks. This complex militant web continues to challenge regional security under the shadow of the Afghan Taliban's permissive stance.