Maharashtra Public School Model United Nations

AGENDA- Connection of Terrorism with Pakistan

 Letter from the Executive Board

Dear Delegates,
We are delighted to have you join the United Nations Security Council
(UNSC). You will be entrusted with tackling challenges essential to global
peace and security as members of one of the most influential and active
committees in the UN system—issues that call for promptness, diplomacy,
and decisive action.
The UNSC is distinct. Its makeup of both permanent and non-permanent
members, its authority to authorize sanctions and peacekeeping
deployments, and its binding decisions all contribute to the high-stakes and
high-impact atmosphere. You must meet these difficulties as delegates by
combining a thorough understanding of your nation's foreign policy with
the capacity for leadership, cooperation, and negotiation.
From state sovereignty and marine security to humanitarian response and
regional stability, this situation poses a variety of complex issues. It is your
duty to navigate realpolitik and the conflicting interests of superpowers
while proposing creative solutions that respect the UN Charter's tenets.
We anticipate that delegates will arrive well-prepared, having a solid grasp
of the UNSC's processes and previous rulings in addition to a thorough
awareness of the stance taken by the nation they were given. Unexpected
developments and crisis updates are not only possible, they are unavoidable.
Your success on this committee will be determined by your capacity to
adjust, respond, and lead under duress.
An outline of the agenda item, important issues to think about, pertinent
previous resolutions, and crucial historical background are all included in
this background guide. But that's only the beginning. We invite you to look
beyond these pages, explore recent events, and consider the Security
Council's potential response to emerging threats or new intelligence.
Should you have any questions or need guidance as you prepare, do not
hesitate to reach out. We are here to support you in your journey, and we
look forward to seeing the creativity, diplomacy, and strategic thinking you
bring to the UNSC.
Best of luck with your preparations!
Yours sincerely,

Ekansh Patel
Chairperson – United Nations Security Council
[email protected]

Kirti Jain
Vice- Chairperson– United Nations Security Council

[email protected]
 The UN Security Council

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) was founded in 1945, and is
one of the six principal organs of the United Nations (UN). It is tasked with
ensuring and maintaining international peace. According to the Charter of
the United Nations, the UNSC is the primary vehicle for the maintenance of
international peace, and acts on the behalf of all member states of the UN.
The UNSC is advised to act with the four main goals of the UN in mind:
1. To maintain international peace and security
2. To develop friendly relationships between nations
3. To achieve global cooperation in solving international problems
4. To encourage respect for human rights

Of these aims, the UNSC is primarily focused on the first, and is required to
deliver annual reports to the General Assembly for consideration. The UNSC
may choose to submit special reports to the General Assembly if necessary.
Often, the General Assembly invites the UNSC to share special reports on a
certain item of the agenda.
The UNSC is the most powerful organ of the United Nations, and its powers
include the ability to enact sanctions, deploy peacekeeping corps, interrupt
communications and diplomatic relations, and enforce its resolutions
through economic or military action. The UNSC is also authorized to make
displays of military power through blockades or demonstrations making
use of troops of the UN member nations. Generally, the use of force by the
United Nations is decided by the UNSC.
Introduction to Agenda

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC), as the primary body

responsible for the maintenance of international peace and security,
continues to face pressing challenges related to the proliferation of
terrorism across borders. One of the most debated and geopolitically
sensitive issues is the alleged and proven connections between terrorist
networks and the territory of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. Over the
decades, several international actors and intelligence reports have
implicated Pakistan in providing safe havens, logistical support, and funding
to non-state armed groups operating in South Asia and beyond. The
implications of this connection are grave — not just for regional stability in
South Asia, particularly for countries like India and Afghanistan, but also for
global counterterrorism efforts.
Groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), and
elements of the Taliban have been linked to activities within Pakistani
territory, sometimes with allegations of state complicity or negligence. The
2008 Mumbai attacks, the Pulwama bombing, and support to Taliban
factions are often cited as high-profile examples of terrorist actions with
suspected Pakistani links. While Pakistan has repeatedly denied state-level
involvement and emphasizes its role as a victim of terrorism itself, critics
argue that there remains a blurred line between strategic interests and
counterterrorism commitments.
This agenda invites member states to critically examine the complex web of
ideological, logistical, and financial support systems that may emanate
from or pass through Pakistan’s borders. Delegates must consider key UNSC
resolutions on terrorism (such as 1373, 1267, and 1540), assess the
implementation of Financial Action Task Force (FATF) recommendations,
and explore diplomatic or coercive measures to curb cross-border terror
networks.
Balancing sovereignty with security, diplomacy with accountability, and
evidence with engagement — this committee must strive to adopt a
realistic and cooperative framework to address terrorism’s global roots and
regional impacts. In doing so, delegates are encouraged to transcend
national interests and work towards sustainable, verifiable, and just
counterterrorism strategies under the mandate of the UNSC.
Background To The Agenda
The issue of terrorism emanating from or linked to the territory of Pakistan
has long been a point of concern within the global security architecture.
Since the onset of the global War on Terror post-9/11, Pakistan has occupied
a paradoxical position — simultaneously positioned as a key ally in
counterterrorism and yet frequently accused of harbouring or supporting
terrorist organizations. While Pakistan has conducted numerous military
operations against domestic terrorist elements, there remains persistent
international scrutiny over its alleged role in supporting cross-border
terrorism, especially in the South Asian region.
Historically, groups such as the Haqqani Network, Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), and
Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) have operated with significant influence from
within Pakistan. These groups have been implicated in several high-profile
attacks, including the 2001 Indian Parliament attack, the 2008 Mumbai
attacks, and the 2019 Pulwama bombing. Despite the international
designation of these groups as terrorist entities, questions have been raised
about the extent of state complicity, inaction, or passive tolerance.
Moreover, the presence of Osama bin Laden in Abbottabad, just a few
kilometres from a major Pakistani military base, when he was killed by U.S.
forces in 2011, deepened suspicions of Pakistan's double game in
counterterrorism. The Taliban’s resurgence in Afghanistan also reignited
debates around Pakistan's strategic interests and its alleged backing of
militant networks to exert regional influence.
While Pakistan maintains its commitment to fighting terrorism and often
highlights the heavy human and economic toll it has suffered due to
extremist violence within its borders, international watchdogs like the
Financial Action Task Force (FATF) have repeatedly flagged deficiencies in its
efforts to curb terror financing and implement anti-terror laws effectively.
This background calls on the UNSC to assess the evidence, evaluate
international frameworks already in place, and consider actionable steps to
address this sensitive but critical issue. It requires a balanced approach that
considers both security and diplomacy, sovereignty and responsibility, as
well as regional dynamics and global peace.
Current Challenges
Despite international efforts and Pakistan’s public commitment to
combating terrorism, a number of significant challenges continue to hinder
meaningful progress. These challenges are multifaceted, ranging from
geopolitical rivalries and internal instability to issues of verification,
enforcement, and diplomatic deadlock.
One of the most pressing challenges is the lack of consistent and verifiable
action against UN-designated terrorist organizations operating from within
Pakistan. Groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM),
and remnants of al-Qaeda-linked factions continue to function under
different names, allegedly receiving ideological, logistical, and at times
financial support. While Pakistan has taken steps such as arrests and asset
seizures, many of these are symbolic or temporary, lacking long-term
enforcement.
Another major challenge is Pakistan’s internal political dynamics, including
the influence of the military and intelligence services, which are often
accused of using non-state actors as tools for strategic depth, particularly in
relation to India and Afghanistan. This alleged "state policy" complicates
international engagement, as there is limited transparency and civilian
control over security matters.
The region's geopolitical polarization, particularly between India and
Pakistan, has also turned the issue of terrorism into a diplomatic standoff.
India consistently accuses Pakistan of sponsoring cross-border terrorism,
while Pakistan accuses India of fabricating claims for political gain. This tit-
for-tat narrative often stalls consensus within multilateral forums like the
UNSC, preventing unified action.
Additionally, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has placed Pakistan
under increased scrutiny for failing to fully implement measures against
terror financing. Although Pakistan was removed from the FATF grey list in
2022, concerns remain over the sustainability and depth of its reforms.
The inability of the UNSC to enforce stricter measures — due to veto politics
and strategic alliances — further complicates the situation. Key global
powers have divergent interests in the region, leading to selective
enforcement of counterterrorism norms.
Finally, technological evolution, including encrypted digital communication
and cryptocurrency-based funding channels, makes it harder to track
terrorist networks based in or linked to Pakistan.
Tackling these challenges requires not just dialogue and diplomacy, but also
robust monitoring, accountability, and international cooperation grounded
in facts and collective security principles.

Timeline of Events

● 1999 – Kargil War

● 2001 – Indian Parliament Attack
● 2001 – Adoption of UNSC Resolution 1373
● 2008 – Mumbai Attacks (26/11)
● 2011 – Killing of Osama bin Laden in Abbottabad
● 2015 – Launch of Operation Zarb-e-Azb
● 2017 – Pakistan Placed on FATF Grey List
● 2019 – Pulwama Terror Attack
● 2022 – Pakistan Removed from FATF Grey List
● 2024–2025 – Ongoing UNSC Deliberations on Terrorism Links

Current Situation

● As of 2025, the global security landscape continues to be shaped by

persistent concerns regarding the presence and operation of terrorist
groups within or linked to the territory of Pakistan. While the country
 has taken several public steps toward countering terrorism—such as
enacting anti-terror laws, arresting key individuals, and cooperating
with international watchdogs—many international actors remain
skeptical about the depth and consistency of its actions.
● Pakistan was removed from the FATF grey list in 2022 after
completing an action plan, but several countries, including India, the
United States, and France, continue to express concern over the re-
emergence or rebranding of banned groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba
(LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). These groups are suspected of
operating training camps, ideological networks, and financial
channels within Pakistan, often under new names or through
humanitarian fronts. The UN Security Council's 1267 Sanctions
Committee still lists individuals based in Pakistan who are accused of
funding or orchestrating international terrorist acts.
● Diplomatic efforts to hold Pakistan accountable face roadblocks due
to geopolitical complexities. Strategic alliances—especially Pakistan’s
growing ties with China, and fluctuating relations with the United
States—have led to divided opinions within the UNSC. Veto-wielding
powers often disagree on enforcement actions, sanctions, or
statements, which hampers a unified global stance.
● Within Pakistan, the political and military establishment has yet to
fully dismantle the infrastructure that allegedly supports cross-
border terrorism, especially in regions like Punjab, Baluchistan, and
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Meanwhile, the Pakistani government
continues to maintain that it is a victim of terrorism itself, citing
thousands of lives lost in domestic attacks by the Tehrik-i-Taliban
Pakistan (TTP) and affiliated groups.
● The challenge before the UNSC lies in distinguishing between
credible counterterrorism efforts and performative measures, while
also addressing the broader issue of state responsibility in countering
terrorism emanating from within its borders. As tensions in South
Asia remain volatile, especially along the India-Pakistan border, the
need for an impartial, collective response has never been more urgent.

International Involvement
The international community has played a significant and often divided role
in addressing the alleged and real connections between terrorism and
Pakistan. From global counterterrorism efforts and sanctions to intelligence
sharing, financial pressure, and diplomatic interventions, numerous states
and international organizations have sought to address the persistent
challenges posed by terrorist entities operating in or from Pakistani
territory. However, geopolitical alliances, strategic interests, and regional
tensions have frequently diluted a unified global approach under the UN
framework, especially within the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and Sanctions Mechanisms
The UNSC has been central in shaping international counterterrorism norms
through resolutions such as 1373 (2001), 1267 (1999), 1540 (2004), and
2396 (2017). These resolutions mandate all states, including Pakistan, to
prevent the financing of terrorism, deny safe havens to terrorists, and
cooperate in intelligence and prosecution.
The 1267 Sanctions Committee, in particular, has directly implicated
individuals and entities based in Pakistan. High-profile designations include
Masood Azhar, the leader of Jaish-e-Mohammed, who was added to the list
after years of diplomatic lobbying. Yet, Pakistan’s enforcement of these
sanctions—freezing assets, travel bans, and arms embargoes—has often
been inconsistent or symbolic. The lack of strong enforcement mechanisms
and political will has frustrated several member states.
India’s Diplomatic Push
India has been one of the most vocal nations advocating for global
recognition of Pakistan’s alleged support to cross-border terrorism.
Following major attacks such as the 2008 Mumbai attacks and the 2019
Pulwama bombing, India has engaged in extensive diplomatic campaigns to
name and shame Pakistan at the UNSC and other global forums. India has
also used dossiers and intelligence briefings to build international
consensus against Pakistan-based terror networks.
India has repeatedly sought to isolate Pakistan diplomatically and pushed
for stronger multilateral action, including economic sanctions and
blacklisting within FATF. However, India's efforts are often met with
pushback from countries with strategic interests in Pakistan.
China’s Protective Role
A major barrier to international consensus has been China’s role as a close
ally of Pakistan. As a permanent member of the UNSC, China has repeatedly
used its veto power or influence to block sanctions and designations of
Pakistan-linked terrorists. For example, China delayed the listing of Masood
Azhar for over a decade, citing lack of consensus.
China views Pakistan as a strategic partner in the China-Pakistan Economic
Corridor (CPEC) and a key regional counterbalance to India. Therefore,
Beijing’s reluctance to support international punitive measures weakens
coordinated global action within the UNSC.
United States’ Mixed Approach
The United States has had a complicated relationship with Pakistan. While it
designates Pakistan as a Major Non-NATO Ally and has collaborated
extensively during the War on Terror, Washington has also criticized
Pakistan for harboring groups that target U.S. allies and interests in South
Asia. The discovery of Osama bin Laden in Abbottabad was a turning point,
after which trust significantly eroded.
In recent years, U.S. policymakers have increased financial pressure through
aid cuts and sanctions on Pakistani individuals. However, America’s strategic
reliance on Pakistan in the Afghan context—and its focus shifting to Indo-
Pacific threats like China—has often led to a cautious and fluctuating
approach.
Financial Action Task Force (FATF)
The FATF, an intergovernmental body combating money laundering and
terrorism financing, placed Pakistan on its grey list in 2018 due to
deficiencies in cracking down on terror funding. This listing had strong
international backing, especially from the U.S., France, and India. Under
sustained pressure, Pakistan implemented several legal and financial
reforms and was removed from the grey list in 2022. Nonetheless, concerns
remain about the long-term institutional commitment to these reforms.
Other Regional and International Actors
Countries such as France, Russia, the UK, and Afghanistan have also
expressed concerns about terror networks operating in or from Pakistan.
Afghanistan, in particular, has accused Pakistan of providing support to the
Taliban and Haqqani Network, groups that have been responsible for
decades of violence and instability in the region.
Multilateral organizations such as INTERPOL and UNODC have supported
intelligence sharing and capacity-building programs in South Asia, though
their effectiveness depends heavily on cooperation from national
governments.
Moderate Subtopics
1. Evaluating Pakistan's Implementation of UNSC Resolution 1373
2. The Role of FATF in Monitoring Pakistan’s Anti-Terror Financing
Framework
3. Addressing the Rebranding of Banned Terrorist Organizations in
Pakistan
4. Impact of Pakistan’s Domestic Counterterrorism Policies on Regional
Security
5. The Role of the ISI and Military Establishment in Pakistan's
Counterterrorism Strategy
6. Distinguishing Between State Support and State Negligence in
Terrorist Operations
7. The Use of Pakistani Territory by Non-State Actors and Cross-Border
Implications
8. Strengthening International Monitoring of Terror Financing
Networks in South Asia
9. Encouraging Regional Cooperation for Counterterrorism in the
South Asian Subcontinent
10. Balancing Pakistan’s Sovereignty with Global Security Obligations
11. Analysing the Effectiveness of Pakistan’s Legal Reforms Against
Terrorism
12. Evaluating China’s Veto Use in UNSC Sanctions Related to Pakistan-
Linked Terrorists
13. The Influence of Geopolitical Rivalries on Multilateral
Counterterrorism Measures
14. Rehabilitation and Reintegration of Former Terror Group Affiliates in
Pakistan
15. Enhancing Intelligence Sharing and Verification Mechanisms in the
Region
16. Examining Civil-Military Relations in Pakistan and Their Impact on
Terror Policy
17. The Role of Education and Radicalization Prevention in Countering
Extremism
18. Revisiting UNSC’s Role in Mediating India-Pakistan Tensions Over
Terrorism Claims
19. Use of Humanitarian Fronts and NGOs for Terror Financing in
Pakistan
20. Exploring Confidence-Building Measures Between Pakistan and
Neighbouring States to Curb Terrorism
Relevant Questions

Justice and Accountability

● What legal mechanisms can be used to hold perpetrators and
sponsors of the Pahalgam attack accountable?
● Should the UNSC consider sanctions or international trials for
proven involvement in cross-border terrorism?
● How can victims and survivors of terrorist attacks receive justice and
reparations?
Cross-Border Terrorism
 ● How can the UNSC strengthen efforts to combat cross-border
terrorism in South Asia?
● What role do state and non-state actors play in facilitating such
attacks?
● How can the international community monitor and prevent the
movement of terrorists across borders?
Regional Security and Sovereignty
● How can peace and stability be maintained in the Kashmir region
without violating national sovereignty?
● To what extent should international forces or observers be allowed in
conflict-prone zones?
Intelligence and Cooperation
● What steps can be taken to improve intelligence sharing between
nations to prevent future attacks?
● Should there be a global early-warning mechanism for religiously
targeted or pilgrimage-related terrorism?
Prevention and Capacity Building
● How can border security and counter-terrorism infrastructure be
improved in vulnerable regions?
● What role should the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Committee
(CTC) and other bodies play in prevention?
Diplomacy and De-escalation
● How should the UNSC respond to escalating tensions between India
and Pakistan post-attack?