PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, speaking in Washington, has brought to the forefront diplomatic concerns related to Afghanistan and terrorism, indirectly holding the United States and regional dynamics responsible for Pakistan’s internal security challenges. Zardari stated that the manner in which the US withdrew from Afghanistan, leaving behind military equipment, has negatively impacted Pakistan. He asserted that this equipment has fallen into the hands of terrorist groups.
Zardari underscored that these topics remain central to Pakistan’s engagement with the United States. He called for increased regional and international cooperation to address terrorism, without acknowledging any previous role Pakistan might have played in fostering extremism.
He highlighted that the weaponry used by certain terrorist groups inside Pakistan, obtained through the black market and left behind in Afghanistan, is more advanced than that used by Pakistani police. The Islamic Emirate has not yet responded to Zardari’s comments, but has, in the past, advised Islamabad to avoid making accusations that could strain their relationship.
Political analyst Mohammad Zalmai Afghan Yar criticized Pakistan’s tone, highlighting the need for cooperation with Afghanistan. These remarks come at a time when Kabul and Islamabad have upgraded their diplomatic ties by appointing full ambassadors after a period of tension.