Pakistan concerned over US weapons left in Afghanistan after withdrawal: FO

Foreign Office Spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan says presence of US advance weapons in Afghanistan, after withdrawal of its troops in August 2021 has been an issue of profound concern for safety and security of Pakistan and its citizens.

The Spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan in response to media queries regarding reports to take back advance weapons left behind in Afghanistan, said that these weapons have been used by terrorist organizations, including the TTP to carry out terrorist attacks in Pakistan.

He said that Pakistan has been repeatedly calling upon the de facto authorities in Kabul to take all necessary measures to ensure that these weapons do not fall into the wrong hands.

Responding to President Trump's statement, Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan noted: "The presence of US advance weapons in Afghanistan, left behind in the aftermath of the withdrawal of its troops in August 2021, has been an issue of profound concern for the safety and security of Pakistan and its citizens."

"These weapons have been used by terrorist organizations, including the TTP, to carry out terrorist attacks in Pakistan. We have been repeatedly calling upon the de facto authorities in Kabul to take all necessary measures to ensure that these weapons do not fall into the wrong hands," the spokesperson added.

There is no official number but some estimates suggest that the US left advance weapons in Afghanistan worth $7 billion.

During talks between Pakistan and the Taliban officials, Islamabad raised the issue Kabul. In one such recent interaction, Pakistani officially confronted the Taliban government with evidence of the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) using the American weapons.

When Taliban government rejected Pakistan's stance that TTP was being encouraged by Kabul, Islamabad asked Kabul then how did TTP get hands on the US weapons that Afghan Taliban only had access to after the withdrawal of foreign forces? To this, according to official sources, the Taliban authorities had no convincing answer.

Previously the Biden administration dismissed Pakistan's concerns regarding the leftover weapons. However, Trump's statement endorsed Pakistan's concerns.

Since taking charge, Trump has adopted a tough stance towards the Taliban government. The Trump Administration suspended aid to Afghanistan as well as put on hold Afghan refugee settlement plan.

from Latest Pakistan News - SUCH TV https://ift.tt/53yTw40