Pakistan Urges US for Military Support Amid Rising Taliban Attacks and Climate Challenges
News Mania Desk/ Agnibeena Ghosh/20th June 2024
Pakistan’s ambassador to Washington, Masood Khan, has called for urgent military assistance from the United States to combat a surge in attacks by the Pakistani Taliban (TTP) and address pressing climate change issues affecting the country.
Following the US withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, Pakistan has experienced an escalation in assaults by the TTP, often launched from Afghan territory, despite denials from both Kabul and the TTP themselves. Ambassador Khan emphasized Pakistan’s immediate need for military equipment such as sniper rifles, night vision goggles, and communication gear to effectively counter these threats.
The security situation in Pakistan has seen a notable deterioration, with the Institute for Conflict and Security Studies reporting an 83% increase in militant attacks in the first five months of 2024 compared to the previous year. Most of these attacks are concentrated in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, regions grappling with the TTP’s efforts to establish control and impose their conservative Islamic ideology.
While Pakistan seeks to manage these security challenges, Ambassador Khan highlighted ongoing discussions with Afghan leadership to deter TTP activities originating from Afghan soil, emphasizing the need for both political will and operational measures to secure the border effectively.
Historically, US-Pakistan relations have been complex, particularly during the Afghan conflict when Washington accused Islamabad of supporting the Afghan Taliban while benefiting from substantial US security aid. Despite tensions, ties have seen some improvement under the Biden administration, with Congress approving a $450 million package in 2022 to sustain Pakistan’s F-16 fleet.
Ambassador Khan expressed appreciation for this support but noted the need for additional sustainment and new equipment across Pakistan’s military branches, including aircraft and helicopters crucial for national defense.
In addition to security concerns, Pakistan faces severe climate impacts, including deadly floods and heatwaves, requiring an estimated $100 billion for adaptation measures. Ambassador Khan urged international cooperation, including support from the US, to address these environmental challenges effectively.
Regarding Afghan refugees, Pakistan has implemented the Illegal Foreigners’ Repatriation Plan aimed at repatriating 1.7 million undocumented refugees to Afghanistan. This initiative has raised concerns among rights groups about the safety of those returning to a potentially unstable environment.
Ambassador Khan clarified that the majority of Afghan refugees returned voluntarily, underscoring the need for a coordinated approach to manage undocumented migration effectively.
In conclusion, Pakistan seeks robust US engagement to bolster its defense capabilities against militant threats while addressing urgent climate resilience needs and managing cross-border migration challenges. As diplomatic discussions continue, both countries navigate a crucial period requiring strategic cooperation to promote regional stability and security.
