Chairman of the Pakistan People’s Party and former Foreign Minister of Pakistan, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, has voiced deep concern over the rising tide of terrorism in Pakistan, attributing it in part to the consequences of the 2021 U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. During his ongoing visit to Washington, Bhutto Zardari highlighted the regional fallout of the withdrawal, including the proliferation of advanced weaponry left behind, now reportedly in the hands of terrorist groups operating against Pakistan.
Speaking to policymakers, diplomats, and members of the media, Bilwal Bhutto emphasized that the chaotic nature of the U.S. exit created a dangerous security vacuum. “The manner in which the U.S. exited Afghanistan has had unintended but grave consequences,” he stated. “Weapons left behind are now being used to destabilise our region. If you hear about the weapons, you’d be shocked.” According to Bilwal Bhutto, black-market arms recovered from militant groups in Pakistan have been traced back to U.S. stockpiles abandoned in Afghanistan. This influx of weaponry, he warned, is emboldening extremist outfits and directly threatening Pakistani security forces.
“We talk about terror, we talk about Afghanistan—these are the enduring themes in our relationship with the United States,” he said. “But now, more than ever, we need a renewed and realistic dialogue that addresses the current threats on the ground.”
Bhutto Zardari called for greater international and regional cooperation to confront the resurgence of terrorism. Stressing the importance of collective responsibility, he stated: “We need enhanced collaborative efforts to address the evolving threat landscape. The remnants of terrorism left behind are not just Pakistan’s burden—they are a global concern.”
Islamabad has consistently raised alarm over the illicit flow of U.S.-origin arms into the hands of cross-border militants. Although the Taliban government in Kabul denies these allegations, the issue remains a critical point of contention between the two neighbors. Still, Bilwal Bhutto noted a modest improvement in diplomatic communication with Kabul in recent months.
As the international community seeks to redefine its engagement with South Asia, Bilwal Bhutto Zardari’s remarks serve as a timely and urgent appeal for accountability and strategic cooperation.
