Islamabad: Pakistan’s Caretaker Prime Minister, Anwar ul Haq Kakar, has sounded an urgent warning that the military equipment abandoned by the United States during its withdrawal from Afghanistan has fallen into the hands of terrorists. This revelation has raised significant concerns as the equipment encompasses a wide array of items, from night vision goggles to firearms, and poses a fresh and unsettling challenge for Islamabad.
US military equipment in terrorists’ hands
During the American withdrawal from Afghanistan, a substantial amount of military equipment was left behind, and it has now, regrettably, ended up in the possession of terrorists. Caretaker PM Kakar expressed the gravity of this situation, emphasizing that addressing the challenge of this leftover equipment demands a “coordinated approach.”
Deep-rooted ties with Afghanistan
Caretaker PM Kakar highlighted the deep-rooted cultural, faith-based, and social ties between Pakistan and Afghanistan. He stressed that Pakistan has historically shown generosity toward Afghan refugees and is actively formulating a policy to address the issue of illegal immigrants.
Condemnation of May 9 riots
The caretaker PM unequivocally condemned the violence that erupted on May 9, categorizing it as an “attempted coup and civil war.” He underscored that the primary targets were the serving army chief and his military team. He firmly stated that such acts of manipulation have no place in any form of government.
Balancing justice and impartiality
While emphasizing the government’s commitment to avoiding any appearance of revenge, Mr. Kakar noted that it is essential to take legal action against those who violated the country’s laws and resorted to violence. Failing to do so could imply complicity in the matter.
Tackling banned outfits
Regarding banned organizations like Tehreek-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP), the caretaker PM asserted that the state possesses both negotiation and force as tools to address these entities. The government remains resolute in its approach to dealing with security challenges.
Unexpected role as caretaker PM of Pakistan
Anwar ul Haq Kakar expressed his surprise at assuming the role of caretaker prime minister. Responding to queries, he stated that he has no intention of staying in office beyond the constitutionally defined timeframe.
As the situation regarding the US military equipment in the hands of terrorists unfolds, Pakistan remains vigilant and committed to addressing this emerging security concern with a coordinated approach.