In a striking diplomatic appeal, Pakistan has called on the United States to buy back or reclaim military-grade weapons left behind in Afghanistan following the chaotic withdrawal of US and allied forces in 2021.
Islamabad claims that these abandoned arms have since flooded regional black markets and are now in the hands of militant groups, posing a grave threat to Pakistan’s national security.
Ironically, many observers note that Pakistan is now grappling with the very dynamics it once leveraged in regional conflicts – weapons proliferation and insurgent empowerment – a strategy it has historically been accused of facilitating in Afghanistan and beyond.
US Weapons Now Fueling Pakistan’s Insurgencies
According to a report by Khaama Press, citing The Washington Post, up to 400,000 NATO-supplied weapons may have fallen under Taliban control after the US withdrawal.
A significant portion of these arms is now finding its way into Pakistan, arming groups like the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Baloch separatists, who have stepped up attacks against Pakistan’s security forces.
In 2024 alone, terrorist attacks surged by over 45%, underscoring the severity of this security crisis. Afghan black markets, particularly in Khost and Paktika, are reportedly thriving, with American-made rifles fetching staggering prices:
- An M4 rifle now sells for over $4,200,
- An M16 costs around $1,400,
- While Chinese rifles, though cheaper, are reportedly considered inferior in performance by militants, making US models highly coveted.
Pakistan Faces Blowback From Its Own Past Strategies
This development marks a dramatic reversal of fortune for Islamabad. For decades, Pakistan’s intelligence services were accused of supporting insurgents, arming groups, and fueling instability in Afghanistan to maintain regional influence.
During the Cold War, Pakistan famously acted as a conduit for US and Saudi arms shipments to Afghan Mujahideen fighters battling Soviet forces.
Later, Islamabad was accused by multiple global powers of turning a blind eye—or even providing covert support—to groups like the Taliban.
The result was a massive weapons ecosystem in the region, where arms frequently crossed porous borders, fueling proxy wars and militancy.
Now, Pakistan itself is reaping the consequences of decades of militant proliferation. Weapons abandoned by departing US forces, instead of stabilizing Afghanistan, have emboldened insurgent networks that are destabilizing Pakistan’s own territories, particularly its tribal areas and the restive province of Balochistan.
Islamabad’s Plea Highlights Growing Regional Instability
Pakistan’s public request for the US to “reclaim abandoned weaponry” reflects a growing recognition that these arms are not just a local threat but a regional destabilizer. The unchecked availability of these weapons has emboldened not only the Pakistani Taliban but also other Islamist factions and separatist movements.
With advanced US-made rifles, drones, and armored vehicles now circulating freely in underground markets, militant groups are better equipped than ever, significantly complicating counterinsurgency efforts by Pakistani forces.
Regional Power Dynamics and the Irony of Pakistan’s Position
Security analysts point out the irony of Islamabad’s predicament. Pakistan has long been criticized for using militant proxies to influence neighboring Afghanistan, India, and even internal regions like Kashmir.
This policy often involved covertly providing sanctuary, training, and weapons to militant networks – a strategy that many argue has backfired spectacularly.
Today, Islamabad finds itself victimized by the very insurgent infrastructure it helped cultivate, as weapons once funneled for influence now return in the hands of militants targeting Pakistan’s army and security apparatus.
Global Implications
Pakistan’s concerns should not be underestimated, however. The proliferation of abandoned US weapons poses a serious security challenge beyond Pakistan’s borders.
The fear is that these arms, now accessible to non-state actors, could find their way into Central Asia, the Middle East, and even global terror networks, further destabilizing an already volatile region.
Washington has yet to issue an official response to Islamabad’s request, but reclaiming these weapons may prove nearly impossible given Afghanistan’s fragmented governance under the Taliban and the thriving black-market arms trade.
Conclusion: A Dangerous Cycle of Blowback
Pakistan’s plea to the United States illustrates a powerful lesson in geopolitical blowback. The very tools and tactics Pakistan once used to exert regional influence are now being turned against it, creating a vicious cycle of instability.
This episode highlights how uncontrolled arms flows in conflict zones rarely stay confined. Instead, they create long-term regional threats, haunting even those nations that once benefited from them. Pakistan’s current predicament may well serve as a stark warning to all powers engaged in proxy conflicts: the weapons you spread today may come back to target you tomorrow.
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