Pakistan has rejected an Afghan Taliban claim involving alleged weapons smuggling from Pakistan into Afghanistan.
Islamabad described the allegation as “frivolous, baseless and contrary to established facts”. The response came after Kabul claimed it had seized weapons allegedly smuggled from Pakistan.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting issued the statement after the Afghan Defence Ministry announced the seizure. Kabul claimed it had recovered “dozens of tons of light and heavy weapons” allegedly “smuggled from Pakistan”.
Pakistan, however, questioned the basis of the allegation. It also highlighted Afghanistan’s existing stocks of weapons and military equipment.
Pakistan Challenges Afghan Weapons Smuggling Claim
Pakistan said Afghanistan already possesses large quantities of sophisticated weapons and military equipment.
According to the ministry, much of this equipment remained after US and coalition forces withdrew from Afghanistan.
The statement estimated the value of the abandoned weapons and equipment at $7.2 billion. Afghanistan also retains substantial stocks of Soviet-era weaponry.
Those weapons accumulated over decades of conflict, according to Pakistan’s information ministry. Therefore, Islamabad questioned the need to establish a Pakistani link to the seized weapons.
Pakistan said attempts to create such a connection appeared intended to divert international attention. It pointed instead to what it described as a more serious and documented concern.
Islamabad Points to Terrorist Activity
Pakistan said terrorist groups continue to find space and facilitation on Afghan soil.
According to the statement, these groups also enjoy operational freedom to plan and support attacks. Pakistan said they subsequently carry out attacks inside the country.
Islamabad urged the Afghan Taliban authorities to address the presence of terrorist sanctuaries on Afghan territory.
The Pakistani statement also criticised what it described as implausible accusations and blame-shifting. It called for greater focus on counterterrorism commitments.
Pakistan further reminded the Afghan Taliban of their repeated commitments regarding Afghan soil.
Islamabad said Afghanistan must ensure its territory does not become a base for terrorism against Pakistan. It also stressed that the commitment should apply to terrorism against any other country.
Cross-Border Tensions Remain
Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have remained strained over security concerns.
Pakistan has witnessed a sharp increase in cross-border terrorist incidents, particularly in KP and Balochistan, since 2021.
Islamabad has repeatedly urged Kabul to prevent terrorist organisations from using Afghan territory. Pakistan has maintained that such groups carry out attacks inside the country from across the border.
However, according to Islamabad, the Afghan Taliban regime has refused to act against groups involved in attacks. Those attacks have targeted Pakistani security forces and civilians.
The disagreement has consequently remained a major obstacle in bilateral relations.
Pakistan and Afghanistan Struggle to Break Deadlock
Pakistan launched Operation Ghazab lil-Haq in February this year, according to the supplied account.
The operation came months after Pakistan and Afghanistan agreed to a ceasefire in October 2025.
The ceasefire followed clashes that Pakistan said were triggered by unprovoked gunfire from the Afghan Taliban regime. The clashes occurred at multiple border points.
Since then, both sides have held several rounds of talks. However, those discussions have not produced an agreement so far.
Pakistan attributes the continuing deadlock to what it describes as the Afghan Taliban regime’s reluctance. Islamabad says Kabul has failed to take action against terrorist outfits operating from Afghan soil.
The latest dispute over alleged weapons smuggling has therefore added another point of contention. Pakistan has rejected the allegation and instead urged Kabul to address terrorism concerns.
For Islamabad, the issue remains closely linked to its demand for action against terrorist groups operating from Afghanistan. Meanwhile, the Afghan weapons seizure claim has opened another front in the already strained relationship.
The two countries continue to face significant challenges in resolving their security disputes. For now, however, the latest exchange shows that major differences remain between Islamabad and Kabul.
