The UN Security Council has extended the mandate of the Monitoring Team supporting sanctions on the Taliban until February 17, 2027. All 15 members voted in favor of the US-drafted resolution this Thursday. The extension comes as security worsens in Afghanistan, with multiple terror groups gaining influence. Pakistan voiced strong concern over groups like Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), ISIL-Khorasan (ISIL-K), Majeed Brigade, and Al-Qaeda. Pakistani UN ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad said, "These groups have been responsible for some of the most heinous terrorist attacks against Pakistan," noting 80 deaths in attacks this month alone. He added, "Once again, Afghan soil was used by these groups to plan and orchestrate attacks against neighbouring countries." The ambassador urged the Taliban to choose the path of peace and prevent Afghanistan from becoming a terrorist haven. The resolution also highlights serious issues like human rights abuses, especially against women and girls, economic collapse, political exclusion, and drug trafficking in Afghanistan. The UN Monitoring Team’s latest report paints a grim picture. It states that Afghan authorities create a "permissive environment" for terror groups, especially the TTP. While the Taliban claim no terror groups operate there, the UN says no member state agrees with them. The report warns that though actions were taken against ISIL-K, the TTP has freedom to increase attacks on Pakistan, raising regional tensions. Al-Qaeda remains active, training fighters and aiming for global media attention through spectacular attacks. Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) operates in southeastern Afghanistan, with leaders believed to be in Kabul and active media cells. The report notes AQIS may use cover groups for operations, avoiding Taliban conflicts. The TTP increased attacks, including a deadly November 11 strike on an Islamabad courthouse killing 12 people — the first in years in the capital. Despite setbacks like the October killing of deputy emir Mufti Muzahim, TTP remains a strong threat. The ISIL-K group keeps fighting primarily in northern Afghanistan and continues to recruit online. Other groups like the East Turkistan Islamic Movement (ETIM/TIP) reportedly receive Afghan support and recruit fighters for operations in China’s Xinjiang. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) attacks Pakistani security forces and China-Pakistan projects. It remains active despite Pakistani counter-terror efforts and reportedly coordinates with TTP and ISIL-K. The UN Security Council will use this Monitoring Team report to assess Afghanistan’s security and sanctions. Pakistan and other nations stress that the Taliban must act decisively to stop terrorist groups and avoid Afghanistan becoming a base for external attacks, ensuring international peace and security.