ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s UN Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad warned this week that “terrorist” groups based in Afghanistan had access to abandoned, modern and potent weapons that pose risks to regional peace and security, alleging that these weapons had been used against Pakistani civilians and law enforcement agencies.
Pakistan has repeatedly highlighted that US-led international forces abandoned modern weapons in Afghanistan during their quick withdrawal from Kabul in August 2021. The US troop pullout was widely criticized as unplanned and chaotic, leading to Congressional inquiries in the US and intense criticism of former US President Joe Biden’s administration.
The Biden administration said at the time that all military hardware was intended for the Afghan National Army, which collapsed as the Taliban seized power. US officials later acknowledged that these weapons subsequently fell into the hands of the Taliban.
“Pakistan has stated that the acquisition and use of the mostly abandoned, modern and potent weapons by terrorist groups based in Afghanistan continues to pose serious challenge to peace and security in Pakistan and the broader region,” a statement attributed to Ahmad, issued by Pakistan’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations, said on Tuesday.
His remarks came during the “UN Security Council Open Debate on Small Arms.”
Ahmad’s statement comes as ties between Pakistan and Afghanistan remain strained, with the two countries engaging in fierce border clashes last month that saw dozens killed, including soldiers, on both sides. Pakistan accuses Afghanistan of not taking decisive action against militant groups, such as the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and other outfits that it says operate from its home soil. Kabul denies the charges and urges Pakistan to resolve its security challenges internally.
The Pakistani UN envoy said militant outfits such as the TTP, BLA, Majeed Brigade and Daesh “operate with impunity from Afghanistan.” In a veiled reference to Islamabad’s arch-rival India, Ahmad said these entities were being enabled by “external financing and support of principal destabilizing actor in the region.”
He added that these weapons were used against Pakistani civilians and law enforcement agencies, resulting in thousands of deaths.
“He urged the international community to make stronger efforts to prevent access of illicit arms to armed terrorist groups in Afghanistan and to ensure that the Afghan interim authorities adhere to their international obligations and commitments in that regard,” the statement read.
Tensions persist between Pakistan and Afghanistan, despite the two sides engaging in two rounds of peace talks in Istanbul after agreeing to a temporary ceasefire in Doha on Oct. 19.
The peace talks between the neighbors have failed to yield results, with Pakistan saying it sought “verifiable” action against militant groups operating on Afghan soil. Both sides have not ruled out armed conflict again.
