Envoy tells UN abandoned stockpiles arming terrorists, urges global action
new york
Pakistan has raised alarm at the United Nations over abandoned and illicitly transferred small arms and light weapons in Afghanistan, warning that they threaten regional peace and security.
Ambassador Asim Iftikhar, Pakistan’s permanent representative to the UN, told the Security Council during an open debate on small arms that unchecked accumulation of weapons fuels conflicts.
“Small arms are neither small nor light in their impact. They are the second most used weapons in global terrorist attacks after explosives,” he said.
The envoy expressed deep concern over stockpiles of sophisticated arms and ammunition left in Afghanistan, either abandoned by foreign forces or sold illegally in black markets. “Reports indicate these weapons pose a direct threat to neighboring countries,” he said.
He warned that terrorist groups—including ISIL-K, TTP, the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), referred to as “Fitna al-Khawarij” by the ISPR, and the Majeed Brigade—have acquired and used these modern weapons against Pakistani civilians and law enforcement, causing thousands of deaths.
“The movement of unmarked or unregistered weapons across borders sustains non-state armed groups, terrorist networks, and criminal gangs, undermining regional security,” he added. Pakistan urged stronger international efforts to prevent illicit arms flow and called on Afghan authorities to adhere to their obligations.
Ambassador Iftikhar also highlighted the challenges posed by emerging technologies, including AI-based weapons, drones, 3D-printed firearms, night vision equipment, and cryptocurrency-enabled arms trades, which complicate efforts to control illicit arms.
He emphasized the UN Programme of Action on the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons as a framework for global cooperation and called for its full implementation domestically and internationally to safeguard peace and security.
