The United States rejected Pakistan’s claims regarding weapons that American troops were alleged to have left in Afghanistan before their withdrawal from the war-torn nation.
National Security Council spokesman John Kirby clarified during a press conference at the Foreign Press Centers that no military equipment had been left behind by America for terrorist organizations in Afghanistan. Kirby’s statements followed remarks by Pakistan’s Prime Minister Anwar Ul Haq Kakar and Ambassador Masood Khan, who had reported that the weapons left behind by the United States had ended up in the hands of terrorists.
Kirby further clarified that the US had left a limited amount of equipment and aircraft in Kabul, specifically at the airport, which included trucks, technical equipment, and firefighting gear.
In response to questions from ARY correspondent Jahanzaib Ali about reports suggesting that $7 billion worth of weapons in Afghanistan had fallen into the hands of terrorists, the National Security Council spokesman explained that the military equipment in question had actually been handed over to the Afghan defense forces. This equipment was intended to bolster the Afghan defense forces, aligning with the US mission to enhance their capabilities and enable them to independently assume their country’s security responsibilities. Kirby emphasized that it was the Afghan forces themselves who had ultimately abandoned this equipment.
Pakistan had long struggled with terrorism, largely due to its shared border with Afghanistan. When questioned about President Joe Biden’s statement that Pakistan was a dangerous country with nuclear weapons, Kirby acknowledged Pakistan’s ongoing security challenges and expressed a commitment to continued cooperation. He emphasized that the US remained dedicated to addressing various matters with Pakistan, including current security concerns.
Regarding inquiries about President Biden’s potential discussion of Kashmir and human rights violations in India during the G20 summit, as well as Pakistan’s repeated proposals for dialogue with India, Kirby emphasized the need for direct talks between Pakistan and India on all relevant issues, reflecting the White House’s stance at that time.
Addressing human rights violations stood as a fundamental pillar of President Biden’s foreign policy. He consistently underscored his commitment to this cause, as evidenced during discussions with Indian Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Washington, where President Biden did not hesitate to raise the issue. It was evident that he intended to maintain this stance during his visit to India as well.
