United Nations (TDI): Islamabad has raised alarm over the risk posed by abandoned weapons in Afghanistan, warning that their acquisition by terrorist groups jeopardizes not only Pakistan’s security but regional stability as well.
Ambassador Asim Iftikhar, Pakistan’s permanent representative to the United Nations, highlighted the issue during an open debate on small arms at the UN Security Council on Monday, according to a statement from Pakistan’s UN mission. “Pakistan is deeply concerned about the presence of advanced arms and ammunition stockpiles in Afghanistan, as highlighted in the Secretary-General’s reports,” he said.
The reports pointed to transnational criminal activity in Afghanistan, where arms transfer to neighboring countries in violation of the arms embargo and illicit weapons markets have emerged, escalating regional security risks.
Ambassador Iftikhar said Pakistan had received credible intelligence on attempts to smuggle these weapons across its borders for terrorist operations. “Weapons intercepted along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border are traced back to stockpiles left behind by foreign forces and to arms being traded illegally within Afghanistan,” he explained.
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He added that unmarked and unregistered weapons crossing international borders continue to arm non-state actors, terrorist networks, and criminal gangs, undermining regional stability. The envoy also expressed deep concern over terrorist groups such as ISIL-K, the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), and the Majeed Brigade using these advanced weapons against Pakistani civilians and security forces, causing thousands of casualties.
“We urge stronger international action to prevent the flow of illicit arms to armed groups in Afghanistan and call on the Afghan authorities to uphold their international commitments,” he said. “The global community must address gaps in efforts to counter these threats to international and regional peace.”
He further noted that small arms and light weapons have become the preferred tools of non-state actors to carry out violence, threatening national security, hampering counter-terrorism efforts, and endangering civilians. Illicit arms also hinder development, contribute to human rights abuses, and undermine overall security.
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Ambassador Iftikhar emphasized the need for a balanced approach to tackling the issue, pointing to the United Nations’ Program of Action on the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons as a framework that balances legitimate state security needs with curbing illegal weapons trade. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to implementing the program nationally and urged global adherence.
Following the US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021, large quantities of weapons, equipment, and military vehicles were left behind, some of which were seized by the Taliban. Many of these arms later fell into the hands of banned terrorist groups, including the TTP. Islamabad has repeatedly raised concerns over militants using Afghan territory for cross-border terrorism and has urged UN-led efforts to recover these weapons.
