Pakistan has called on the Taliban authorities to end restrictions on women and girls, and take decisive action against terrorist groups operating from Afghan territory.

Counsellor Muhammad Jawad Ajmal said this during the Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan in the third committee of the UN General Assembly.

He urged the international community to shoulder its responsibilities towards vulnerable Afghan refugees and support efforts for a stable and peaceful Afghanistan.

Highlighting Pakistan's longstanding humanitarian contribution, Counsellor Jawad Ajmal said that Pakistan hosted millions of Afghan refugees over several decades, often in the absence of adequate international support.

Turning to the security situation, he underscored that terrorism remained at the heart of Afghanistan's challenges. He expressed serious concern over the presence and activities of terrorist groups, including the TTP, BLA, Majeed Brigade, Al-Qaida, ISIL-K and ETIM, and their affiliates, operating from Afghan territory.

He underscored that Pakistan could not remain passive in the face of continued terrorist attacks against its people and national security.

Jawad Ajmal said that Pakistan would exercise its right to self-defence whenever necessary and in accordance with international law against any threat to its citizens and national security.