Pakistan has firmly dismissed the Afghan Taliban regime’s recent allegation of weapons smuggling from its territory as frivolous and completely baseless. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting stated that the claim goes against established facts and appears designed to shift attention from more serious issues.
Afghanistan already holds vast stocks of sophisticated weapons and military equipment left behind after the withdrawal of US and coalition forces. These abandoned arms and gear are estimated to be worth $7.2 billion. In addition, the country possesses large quantities of Soviet-era weaponry built up over decades of conflict. The ministry noted that these existing stockpiles make any suggestion of large-scale smuggling from Pakistan highly improbable.
The Pakistani response came shortly after the Afghan Defence Ministry claimed it had seized dozens of tons of light and heavy weapons supposedly brought in from Pakistan for subversive activities. Islamabad rejected any Pakistani link to the recovered arms and said such accusations serve only to divert international focus.
Instead, Pakistan highlighted a documented and pressing concern. Terrorist groups continue to enjoy space, facilitation and operational freedom on Afghan soil. From there they plan, support and launch attacks inside Pakistan. Rather than making implausible charges, the Afghan Taliban authorities must address the presence of these terrorist sanctuaries within their territory.
Pakistan has repeatedly urged the Taliban regime to honour its commitments that Afghan soil will not be used for terrorism against Pakistan or any other country. Cross-border terrorist incidents have risen sharply in the border provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan since the Taliban took power in 2021. Despite many appeals, the regime has refused to act against the groups responsible for attacks on Pakistani security forces and civilians.
Earlier this year Pakistan launched Operation Ghazab lil-Haq after a ceasefire agreed in October 2025 broke down following unprovoked gunfire from the Afghan side at multiple border points. Talks between the two countries have so far failed to produce an agreement because of the Taliban’s reluctance to take concrete action against terrorist outfits operating from Afghanistan.
