Pakistan has raised serious concerns about the growing threat posed by modern weaponry in Afghanistan, following reports that the United States has opted not to retrieve military equipment left behind after its withdrawal.
Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan warned that these weapons have fallen into the hands of militant groups, including the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), enabling cross-border attacks that endanger Pakistan’s security.
“The unchecked presence of sophisticated arms in Afghanistan is a pressing issue for Pakistan,” the spokesperson stated. “We have consistently urged Kabul to take immediate action to prevent these weapons from being misused.”
He emphasized that Pakistan has persistently highlighted this issue on diplomatic forums, urging Afghan authorities to implement strict measures to curb militant access to such weaponry in the interest of regional stability.
Meanwhile, sources indicate that the Afghan Taliban has refused to return any military assets left by US forces during their 2021 withdrawal.
A confidential source revealed that instead of reclaiming the abandoned arsenal, some US officials have suggested that Washington should provide the Taliban with more advanced weaponry to assist in their fight against ISIS-K, an offshoot of the Islamic State.
These developments underscore the shifting dynamics in the region, with Pakistan reiterating its demand for effective controls to prevent extremist groups from exploiting the security vacuum.
