Afghanistan ranks ninth in the 2025 Global Terrorism Index, marking significant improvement in its security landscape. The Islamic Emirate has contributed to internal stability, while the UN warns of a severe humanitarian crisis affecting millions. Infrastructure projects like the Khaf-Herat railway show promise, and Pakistan supports US efforts to reclaim military equipment left behind during the withdrawal.
The 2025 Global Terrorism Index, published by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), reveals Afghanistan’s ranking as ninth among countries affected by terrorism. This marks a significant improvement, as Afghanistan has avoided the top five most impacted nations for the second consecutive year, indicating a substantial drop in terrorism levels since the Taliban’s takeover.
The report recognizes the Islamic Emirate’s role in maintaining internal stability and the decline of terrorism, highlighting that the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) is now the most lethal group, accountable for a considerable portion of terrorist attacks in 2024. The relationship between the Islamic Emirate and Pakistan has deteriorated, primarily due to tensions regarding the Durand Line and Pakistani airstrikes targeting Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP) positions.
In infrastructure developments, the Khaf-Herat railway project’s fourth section is forecasted to complete its initial phase within six months, according to officials from the contracting company. This project aims to enhance trade connectivity between Afghanistan and neighboring countries, with local authorities pledging support to expedite progress.
Concerning the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, the UN emphasizes a dire crisis affecting over half the population, with 23 million individuals requiring assistance. Food insecurity remains alarmingly high, and the projection indicates nearly 15 million people will face acute food shortages, including millions of malnourished children and mothers.
In security matters, Pakistan’s foreign ministry has expressed support for the United States’ initiative to retrieve military equipment abandoned in Afghanistan. They noted concerns regarding the misuse of such equipment by terrorist factions within Pakistan, although they downplayed the notion of actively facilitating the US recovery efforts. Recent developments included the extradition of a Daesh operative to the US, signaling ongoing collaboration between the two nations on security issues.
In summary, Afghanistan’s ninth position in the Global Terrorism Index reflects a noteworthy improvement in its security situation, attributed to the current regime’s efforts in maintaining stability. Simultaneously, critical infrastructure projects like the Khaf-Herat railway are expected to bolster economic connectivity. Nonetheless, the humanitarian crisis looms large, as millions remain in urgent need of assistance. Furthermore, regional security dynamics involve complex interactions regarding military equipment left in Afghanistan and the implications for both Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Original Source: www.ariananews.af
