Pakistan argues at UNSC debate that terrorist groups based in Afghanistan have access to illicit armaments, which endangers regional stability.

Pakistan – Afghanistan – (Special Correspondent / Web Desk) – Pakistan has urgently informed the United Nations that terrorist groups in Afghanistan are getting their hands on abandoned military weapons. This growing problem is creating a serious threat to peace, not just for Pakistan but for the entire region.

Ambassador Asim Iftikhar, who represents Pakistan at the UN, shared these concerns during a high-level meeting. He referred to a recent UN report that confirmed the dangerous situation in Afghanistan. The report notes that unofficial weapons markets have sprung up, and arms are being illegally moved across borders, breaking international rules.

The ambassador stated that Pakistan has solid evidence of attempts to smuggle these weapons into neighboring countries. Many of the weapons seized at the Pakistan-Afghanistan border are traced back to stockpiles left behind by foreign forces. He explained that the flow of unmarked weapons across borders helps armed terrorist groups and criminal networks, making the entire region less safe.

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Pakistan is deeply worried that these powerful, abandoned weapons are now being used by terrorist groups based in Afghanistan. Groups like ISIS-K, the TTP, and the BLA have used these arms in attacks on Pakistani civilians and security forces, causing thousands of deaths. Pakistan is calling for stronger global efforts to stop these groups from getting illicit arms and to ensure Afghanistan’s leaders meet their international promises.

The international community must work together to close the gaps in its response to this crisis. Ambassador Iftikhar emphasized that small arms have become the main tool for non-state actors to spread violence. These illegal weapons threaten national security, block counter-terrorism efforts, and harm development and human rights.

Pakistan believes the world must tackle the issue of illegal small arms in a balanced way. The country supports the UN’s plan of action, which respects a nation’s right to security while working to stop the illegal arms trade on all fronts.

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When the US withdrew from Afghanistan in 2021, its military destroyed many aircraft and vehicles. However, a vast amount of weapons and equipment was left behind and taken by the Afghan Taliban. Security experts and reports confirm that these US-made weapons have since ended up with groups like the banned TTP, who use them for cross-border terrorism. Pakistan continues to urge the UN to lead a concerted effort to take these weapons away from terrorist groups.