UNITED NATIONS (The COW News Digital) Pakistan has raised serious concerns at the United Nations Security Council regarding the illegal access of terrorist groups in Afghanistan to modern weapons and ammunition, calling it a direct threat to regional peace and neighboring countries.
Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Asim Iftikhar, emphasized that terrorist organizations operating from Afghan soil are openly conducting activities and attempting to smuggle advanced weaponry into neighboring states. “Verified intelligence confirms that weapons seized along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border are linked to stockpiles left behind following the withdrawal of foreign forces,” he stated.
Iftikhar highlighted that groups such as ISIS, Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), the Baloch Liberation Army, and the Mujahid Brigade are using these advanced arms against Pakistani civilians and law enforcement agencies, resulting in the loss of thousands of innocent lives. “The availability of modern weapons in Afghanistan empowers terrorist factions to escalate cross-border attacks, undermining regional stability,” he warned.
The Pakistani envoy urged the international community to take effective measures to prevent these groups from accessing arms and to ensure that Afghan interim authorities adhere to their international obligations. He stressed that unchecked proliferation of weapons not only threatens Pakistan but also poses a serious risk to all neighboring countries, highlighting the urgent need for coordinated regional action.
Experts note that the ongoing security challenges in Afghanistan, coupled with abandoned weapon stockpiles from previous international military operations, create an environment where terrorist groups can rearm and expand their influence. The UN Security Council has repeatedly emphasized the importance of controlling arms flows to mitigate such threats, but enforcement remains a persistent challenge.
Pakistan’s intervention at the UN underscores the gravity of the situation and signals the need for robust regional cooperation. The country has called for enhanced monitoring mechanisms and stricter accountability measures to prevent arms smuggling and ensure that Afghan authorities uphold commitments to international peace and security.
The Security Council session drew attention to the broader implications of terrorist access to weaponry, including destabilization of border regions, increased cross-border attacks, and heightened risks to civilian populations. Observers say sustained international engagement and stringent enforcement measures will be critical to curb the threat posed by illegal arms in Afghanistan
