Islamabad – Pakistan’s Foreign Office (FO) has raised alarms over advanced U.S. weapons left behind in Afghanistan, which are now being used by militant groups against Pakistani security forces. The statement comes as attacks on Pakistan’s border regions continue to escalate, with increasing evidence suggesting that these abandoned arms have fallen into the hands of terrorist organizations.
Escalating Security Threat
Following the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, billions of dollars’ worth of military equipment, including firearms, night vision devices, and armored vehicles, were left behind. Pakistani intelligence reports indicate that these weapons are now being used by groups such as the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other militants operating from Afghan soil.
The FO stated that the unchecked flow of these weapons into hostile hands is fueling terrorism in Pakistan, leading to an increase in cross-border attacks, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. Security analysts believe that the modern technology and sophisticated arms now available to militants give them a strategic advantage, making counterterrorism efforts more challenging.
Pakistan Calls for International Action
Pakistan has called upon the United States and other international stakeholders to take responsibility for the weapons left behind and assist in curbing their misuse. The FO urged Afghanistan’s interim government to prevent terrorist groups from using their territory as a launchpad for attacks on Pakistan.
Foreign policy experts argue that the unchecked presence of such weapons in the region is a direct result of hasty military decisions, and their long-term impact could be disastrous. Diplomatic efforts are underway to address the issue, but the situation remains tense, with Pakistan demanding concrete actions rather than mere statements of concern.
