Pakistan Calls for US to Retrieve Weapons Left in Afghanistan for Regional Peace

By DTD- On Mar 6, 2025

Islamabad: Foreign Office Spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan has stated that peace in the region will be restored if the United States retrieves the weapons it left behind in Afghanistan.

During a weekly briefing, he mentioned that there had been communication between Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and the US National Security Advisor regarding the return of US arms left in Afghanistan. Pakistan is concerned about the possibility of these weapons being used against the country. He added that discussions on security matters with the US are ongoing.

The spokesperson also condemned Israel’s decision to block aid to Gaza, calling it a violation of international law and an outright infringement of human rights. Additionally, he condemned a statement made by India’s Foreign Minister on March 5 regarding Kashmir, emphasizing that the issues of Kashmiri people cannot be resolved solely through economic recovery. The resolution of the Kashmir issue must align with the UN Security Council’s resolutions.

He further expressed concern over the increasing Indian statements about Azad Kashmir, calling them highly regrettable. He rejected Indian Minister of State Jitendra Singh’s comments as unacceptable, reiterating that the solution to the Kashmir issue must be in line with the UN Security Council’s resolutions.

The spokesperson also announced that Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has left for Saudi Arabia to attend the OIC Foreign Ministers’ meeting, where strategies will be discussed to address Israeli oppression against the Palestinian people and the forced expulsion of Gazans.

The spokesperson added that Ishaq Dar received a call from the US National Security Advisor discussing the issue of US weapons left in Afghanistan. Furthermore, Dar held a significant phone conversation with Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister.

According to the Foreign Office, a recent round of bilateral political consultations between Pakistan and Italy was held in Rome, where discussions focused on bilateral relations and regional matters.

The spokesperson reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to fighting terrorism, highlighting the success of the country’s security forces in operations against terrorism. He further noted that Pakistan had cooperated with the US in apprehending a terrorist, which demonstrated the strong bilateral relationship in counterterrorism efforts.

Additionally, the spokesperson mentioned that Pakistan had handed over an ISIS terrorist to the US in compliance with a UN resolution.

The Foreign Office also clarified that Pakistan had not unilaterally closed the Torkham border. However, issues arose when Afghanistan’s interim government attempted construction in certain areas within Pakistan’s territory.

The spokesperson emphasized that the Torkham border issue remains unresolved but assured that Pakistan is working towards resolving it through peaceful negotiations. He urged Afghanistan’s interim government to abandon violence and pursue a path of peace.