Addressing the OIC Contact Group on Afghanistan on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York on Tuesday, Dar expressed concern over the presence of terrorist groups inside Afghanistan and recalled Pakistan’s sacrifices in combating terrorism. Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry has repeatedly made similar calls for verifiable action against militant groups operating from Afghanistan.
Dar highlighted the recent terrorist attack in Kohat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which killed civilians and police officials and injured dozens of others. He said the attack was a reminder of the threat posed by terrorism emanating from the region.
The deputy prime minister urged the Afghan Taliban authorities to honour their international obligations and commitments and take action against terrorist groups and their alleged sanctuaries.
He also called on the Afghan authorities to lift restrictions on women and girls, saying the measures were contrary to Islamic principles and the norms of Muslim societies.
Dar further urged Afghanistan to promote politically inclusive governance and facilitate the resettlement and integration of Afghan returnees.
He called for adequate international funding to address Afghanistan’s humanitarian needs and support its socio-economic development.
Reiterating Pakistan’s position, Dar said Islamabad supported a stable and prosperous Afghanistan that was at peace with itself and its neighbours.
Dar is in New York as part of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s delegation for the 81st UN General Assembly. The Foreign Ministry had said before the visit that Pakistan would highlight regional and international peace and stability during the high-level week.
Dar raises Kashmir dispute at OIC meeting
Dar also addressed the OIC Contact Group on Jammu and Kashmir, thanking the group and the OIC’s Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission for its continued support for the Kashmiri people.
He said Kashmiris had been waiting for decades to exercise their right to self-determination under the UN framework.
Dar accused India of seeking to alter the demographic composition of Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir through measures introduced after August 5, 2019.
He also alleged that Kashmiri political leaders and young people were being targeted under stringent laws, while restrictions were being placed on journalists and international observers.
Referring to the Pakistan-India military confrontation in May 2025, Dar said it demonstrated the potential consequences of leaving the Kashmir dispute unresolved.
He also rejected what he described as baseless allegations against Pakistan and said Islamabad had responded in a responsible and measured manner in self-defence.
The OIC Contact Group on Jammu and Kashmir includes Pakistan, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan and Niger and has regularly met on the sidelines of UN General Assembly sessions to discuss the dispute.
