Pakistan reiterating its call for an inclusive political settlement in Afghanistan, has warned the international community against the role of “spoilers within and outside” the war-torn country to prevent efforts for peace and stability there.

Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva, Khalil Hashmi, speaking in a special session of the UN Human Rights Council said the world must be vigilant about the role of spoilers in Afghanistan, which have used Afghan territory to foment terrorism through UN-designated terrorist entities Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan and Jamaat-ul-Ahrar inside Pakistan and other countries in the region. 

He voiced concern over reports of human rights violations and urged all parties to the conflict to abide by their obligations under international law, and refrain from any action, which infringes upon basic rights and freedoms of people in Afghanistan.

The Pakistani envoy spoke after the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, called on Taliban leaders to respect the rights of all Afghans and warned that the treatment of women and girls is a “fundamental red line” that should not be crossed.

Ambassador Hashmi delivering a statement on behalf of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation said the OIC underscores the imperative of active engagement by the international community along political, humanitarian, human rights and development tracks.

The Human Rights Council also adopted a draft resolution calling for investigations and accountability for rights abuses in Afghanistan and to hold those responsible to account.