China has warned the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) that the terrorist threat in Afghanistan remains severe and requires urgent international attention, citing the continued presence and activities of several extremist groups on Afghan soil.

Speaking at the Council’s meeting on threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts, Chinese envoy Sun Lei said organizations such as ISIL, al-Qaeda and the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM) are still operating in Afghanistan and pose “persistent threats” to the country and the wider region.

Sun referred to last month’s deadly explosion at a Chinese restaurant in Afghanistan, which killed seven people and was claimed by ISIL-K, as a reminder of the group’s ongoing operational capability. He urged the Afghan authorities to “attach great importance” to counterterrorism efforts and to take concrete measures to prevent the country from once again becoming a hub for extremist networks.

He added that China supports deeper regional cooperation — particularly among Central Asian states and through the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) — to jointly confront cross-border terrorist threats, while also helping Afghanistan stabilize its economy.

Pakistan’s envoy Asim Iftikhar Ahmad also raised concerns, saying the Afghan authorities continue to provide a “permissive environment” for groups such as TTP, al-Qaeda, ISIL-K and ETIM/TIP. He warned that these organizations endanger not only Pakistan but the entire region, and highlighted the risk of advanced weapons left behind in Afghanistan falling into militant hands.

U.S. representative Mike Waltz broadened the discussion, noting the expansion of al-Qaeda affiliates and ISIL-linked groups in West Africa and the Sahel, as well as the resilience of ISIL cells in Syria and Iraq. He said ISIL-K (Daesh) remains a persistent threat in Afghanistan, underscoring the need for sustained and coordinated global counterterrorism efforts.

Regional countries have repeatedly raised concern about terrorist threats in Afghanistan. The Islamic Emirate, however, has dismissed the concerns, reiterating that it will not allow Afghan soil to be used against any other country.

Afghanistan on Tuesday hosted the fourth meeting of the Counter-Narcotics Working Group under the Doha Process, with participants highlighting significant progress and the need for continued regional and international cooperation.

Hafiz Zia Ahmad Takal, head of public relations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said the meeting was held at the Kabul Grand Hotel and hosted by UNAMA, with participation both in person and online.

The session brought together representatives from the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan’s ministries of Foreign Affairs, Interior, Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock, and Public Health, alongside UN agencies, international and regional organizations, the European Union, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, diplomats and experts.

Takal said Afghan officials reported that opium cultivation has been reduced to near zero following a decree by the Supreme Leader. Representatives outlined achievements, challenges and proposals related to law enforcement, alternative livelihoods for farmers, and treatment programs for drug users.

Officials stressed that while the counter-narcotics measures primarily benefit Afghanistan, their impact extends beyond its borders, making sustained progress dependent on shared responsibility, coordinated investment and mutual trust.

Concerns were also raised over the growing threat of synthetic drugs, with Afghan officials noting that their sources lie outside the country and could pose serious risks to Afghanistan, the region and the wider world.

UNAMA, UN agencies, international organizations and diplomats praised the Islamic Emirate’s efforts, describing the sharp reduction in opium cultivation as a historic achievement.

Participants pledged continued support and called for closer coordination through the Doha Process and bilateral initiatives, with a particular emphasis on alternative livelihoods and expanded treatment for drug users.