ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has expressed concern over the proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons in Afghanistan, warning that their diversion to terrorist groups poses a significant threat to regional peace and security.
In a statement shared on X, Pakistan's Counselor Syed Atif Raza, while speaking at the Ninth Biennial Meeting of States (BMS-9) on the United Nations Program of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons, said the unchecked transfer and accumulation of such weapons continue to intensify conflicts, undermine socio-economic development, and endanger civilian populations.
He noted that small arms and light weapons have become the preferred tools of non-state actors and terrorist organizations, whose access to increasingly sophisticated weaponry has heightened security challenges across borders.
The Pakistani delegate, the statement continued, highlighted concerns over stockpiles of advanced arms and ammunition in Afghanistan, citing findings reflected in reports of the UN secretary-general.
He emphasized that these weapons present a direct threat to neighboring countries, including Pakistan.
The statement further said that calling for stronger international cooperation, the Pakistani counselor urged efforts to prevent illicit arms from reaching armed terrorist groups, and stressed the need for the Taliban to fulfill their international obligations and commitments.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to the UN Program of Action, Syed Atif Raza said that a comprehensive and balanced approach is essential to address both the supply and demand sides of illicit arms trafficking, and to promote international and regional peace and security.
