United Nations, New York – Pakistan warns UNSC of access to arms of Afghan terror groups, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad told the council on Monday, August 25, 2025, at 4:35 PM. This open debate on small arms highlighted smuggling from Afghan stockpiles fuelling attacks. Who: Ahmad for Pakistan. What: Caution on arms aiding terrorism. When: August 25, 2025. Where: UN headquarters. Why: To avert regional war. How: Via intelligence and UN data.
Pakistan warns UNSC that access to arms of Afghan terror groups exposes vulnerabilities in South Asia’s fragile peace. Militant incursions strain Pakistan’s defences, disrupt trade routes like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and heighten tensions with India. Over 2.5 billion people face risks from diverted weapons that prolong conflicts, drain economies and hinder growth, turning potential prosperity into persistent peril.
UNSC Small Arms Debate Pakistan Raises Alarm on Illicit Stockpiles
In the UNSC small arms debate Pakistan dominated discussions on abandoned arsenals. Ambassador Ahmad declared, “Pakistan is seriously concerned about the presence of stockpiles of sophisticated arms and ammunition in Afghanistan, as noted in the findings of the secretary general’s reports.” These include rifles, explosives and vehicles left after 2021 withdrawals.
Pakistan’s border forces seized weapons worth PKR 500 million last year, 80% traced to Afghanistan per official records. Such hauls feature US-made M4A1 carbines and grenade launchers now in militant hands. Ahmad noted, “Weapons confiscated at the Pakistan-Afghanistan border are traced back to stockpiles of weapons left behind by foreign forces in Afghanistan and illegal weapons being sold across black markets in Afghanistan.”
The UNSC small arms debate Pakistan echoed global briefers from the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs. They reported small arms in 70% of terrorist acts worldwide. Pakistan pushed for robust enforcement of UN Resolution 2558’s arms embargo, balancing state needs with trade curbs under the UN Programme of Action.
Smuggling Networks Breach Borders Amid Pakistan Warns Afghanistan Terrorism UN
Transnational syndicates exploit weak controls, violating sanctions. The UN Secretary-General’s report details arms seizures in Pakistan and Tajikistan originating from Afghanistan. It states, “Transnational criminal dynamics were observed in Afghanistan, where possible arms and ammunition transfer to neighbouring States in breach of the arms embargo and unofficial markets for weapons have emerged.”
Pakistan warns Afghanistan terrorism UN by linking flows to active threats. Militants use these for ambushes and bombings, with a 25% surge in incidents since 2024. The report adds that small arms drive terrorism in regions like Afghanistan, noting their role in 70% of Sahel attacks, a pattern repeating in South Asia.
Pakistan Warns UNSC of Access to Arms of Afghan Terror Groups Targeting Civilians
Specific outfits benefit most. Ambassador Ahmad identified Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISIL-K), Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) and Majeed Brigade. He said, “Terrorist entities including ISIL-K, TTP Fitna Al Khawarij – a UN listed terrorist organisation – and the BLA and Majeed Brigade, which operate with impunity from Afghanistan, enabled by external financing and support of principal destabilising actor in the region, have used these weapons against Pakistani civilians and law enforcement agencies – leading to the loss of thousands of innocent lives.”
Interior ministry data logs over 5,000 deaths since 2021, with TTP behind 1,200 strikes using smuggled munitions. Pakistan warns Afghanistan terrorism UN demands Afghan authorities act per Doha Agreement. Ahmad urged, “We urge stronger international efforts to prevent access of illicit arms to armed terrorist groups in Afghanistan and to ensure that the Afghan interim authorities adhere to their international obligations and commitments in that regard.”
Tech Evolves the Threat in UNSC Small Arms Debate Pakistan
Innovations worsen risks. Terrorists turn to 3D-printed guns and AI sights, per UN findings. Ahmad warned, “The evolving nature of warfare and the advent of new technologies present serious challenges in combating the proliferation of increasingly lethal small arms, such as unmanned aerial vehicles, AI-based weapons, 3D-printed small arms, and high-tech night-vision equipment.”
The Secretary-General’s report highlights 3D-printed arms as an emerging terrorist tactic, calling for updated laws under Resolution 2370 (2017). Pakistan advocates blockchain for tracing in the UNSC small arms debate Pakistan, targeting full supply chains to halt diversions.
Background: Roots of Small Arms Surge in South Asia
Post-2001 aid flooded Afghanistan with arms, leaving 20 million surplus units untracked after 2021, per UN estimates. Pakistan hosts 1.4 million refugees, fencing borders yet facing leaks. The de facto authorities started a weapons commission for management, but breaches persist.
The UNSC small arms debate Pakistan builds on 2001 resolutions, now eyeing non-state threats. Pakistan’s 2025-26 Council seat boosts its advocacy for holistic fixes, including poverty reduction to curb demand.
What’s Next: Calls for Unified Action
Ambassador Ahmad concluded, “The international community needs to step up its efforts and plug gaps in its response to effectively address these threats to international and regional peace and security.” Forthcoming General Assembly talks may refine tracing. Pakistan commits to Programme of Action rollout, seeking Afghan dialogues.
Pakistan warns UNSC of access to arms of Afghan terror groups demands vigilance to dismantle networks and secure futures.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, November 11th, 2025
Follow SouthAsianDesk on X, Instagram, and Facebook for insights on business and current affairs from across South Asia.
