The Foreign Office has voiced serious concerns over the presence of modern weapons in Afghanistan, reacting to the United States' decision to withdraw military equipment left behind after its withdrawal.
Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan stated that these modern weapons pose a direct threat to Pakistan’s security and citizens, as terrorist groups, including the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), have been using them to launch attacks inside Pakistan.
"The presence of advanced weaponry in Afghanistan is a matter of deep concern for Pakistan and its citizens," the spokesperson said. "We have repeatedly urged the Kabul administration to take all necessary measures to ensure these weapons do not fall into the wrong hands."
Shafqat Ali Khan said the purpose of this demand was to ensure peace in Pakistan and the region.
Pakistan has consistently raised this issue on diplomatic platforms, emphasizing the need for regional peace and stability. The Foreign Office reiterated its demand that the Afghan authorities take immediate steps to prevent militant groups from accessing these weapons.
Last week, the Afghan Taliban reportedly refused to return any of the military equipment left behind by US troops during their exit from Afghanistan in 2021, according to a source familiar with the matter. The individual, who chose to remain anonymous, stated that relations between Kabul and the Trump administration are off to a shaky start.
Instead of retrieving the abandoned weapons, the source suggests that the US should consider providing the Taliban with more advanced weaponry to aid in their fight against the Islamic State Khorasan (ISIS-K), a local offshoot of the broader ISIS organization. This proposal highlights ongoing tensions and shifting alliances in the region.
