Pakistan Backs U.S. Plan To Reclaim American Weapons From Taliban

Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday expressed support for U.S. President Donald Trump’s remarks regarding the retrieval of American weapons left in Afghanistan.

The ministry spokesperson stated that the removal of these arms from Taliban control would enhance regional security.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan affirmed Pakistan’s concerns over these weapons, noting that their absence from Taliban hands would contribute to stability in Pakistan and the wider region.

Trump recently voiced his frustration over the Taliban’s possession of U.S. military equipment, describing the group as the “world’s biggest arms dealer” and expressing anger at seeing his country’s former enemy parade American weapons.

Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson echoed these concerns, stating that militants within Pakistan have used these weapons—claimed by the Taliban to be under their full control—against Pakistani security forces.

“Our concern is that those weapons have been found being used by terrorists in their operations inside Pakistan. We have flagged it. If the US can make any efforts to get those weapons back, it would be helpful for the overall regional security environment.,” Khan stated.

The spokesperson also highlighted Pakistan’s recent cooperation with the U.S., including the handover of a key ISIS member to American authorities. He emphasised that Pakistan’s security collaboration with the U.S. remains ongoing, covering counterterrorism and intelligence-sharing efforts.

Following Pakistan’s role in capturing the ISIS operative involved in the deadly 2021 Kabul airport attack, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister reportedly conveyed to the U.S. National Security Advisor that Islamabad supports Trump’s stance on retrieving American weapons from the Taliban.

Pakistan’s endorsement of the U.S. position on Taliban-held weapons signals growing frustration with the Afghan Taliban, despite Islamabad’s long-standing investment in the group’s rise to power over the past two decades.

While Pakistan previously backed the Taliban, it now appears to be advocating for U.S. pressure on the group to surrender stockpiles of American-made weapons, which the Taliban deem essential for maintaining their rule and security.