Islamabad: On Monday, Pakistan's caretaker Prime Minister, Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar, made a concerning claim that military equipment abandoned by the United States during the American withdrawal from Afghanistan has fallen into the hands of militant groups, particularly the Pakistani Taliban. This equipment, ranging from night vision goggles to firearms, has now become a significant challenge for Islamabad, as it has bolstered the combat capabilities of the Pakistani Taliban, Kakar warned.

The Pakistani Taliban, also known as Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan or TTP, has escalated its attacks on Pakistan's security forces in recent months. While they are a distinct militant group, they maintain an alliance with the Afghan Taliban.

The fall of Afghanistan to the Taliban in mid-August 2021 coincided with the chaotic withdrawal of US and NATO troops, leaving behind a substantial amount of US military equipment. Although there is no precise information on the extent of the equipment left behind, the Taliban managed to seize a substantial amount of firepower, including guns, ammunition, helicopters, and other modern military gear from Afghan forces who surrendered it. US defense officials have acknowledged that the value of the equipment is significant.

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During a meeting with a select group of journalists in Islamabad, Prime Minister Kakar did not provide concrete evidence to support his allegation or directly connect the Afghan Taliban to the TTP's acquisition of this equipment. He stressed the need for a "coordinated approach" to address the challenge posed by the abandoned military gear.

Kakar refrained from criticizing the Afghan Taliban, as Islamabad has sought to engage with them and serve as a mediator between the international community and the new leadership in Kabul, which has faced international criticism for imposing strict edicts since their takeover.

However, two anonymous security officials in Islamabad told The Associated Press that the TTP either purchased the equipment from the Afghan Taliban or received it as an ally.

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In recent months, the Pakistani Taliban has released statements and videos claiming possession of advanced weaponry, including guns with laser and thermal sighting systems. This equipment has allowed TTP fighters to target Pakistani troops from greater distances, a significant shift from their previous reliance on AK-47 assault rifles.

Despite the challenges posed by the TTP's enhanced capabilities, Prime Minister Kakar affirmed that Pakistani security forces would continue to fight militants to protect the nation, its citizens, and places of worship.

Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar, aged 52, assumed office last month as Pakistan's youngest prime minister to lead a caretaker government. His cabinet will manage day-to-day affairs until the next parliamentary elections, which were initially scheduled for October or November but are likely to be postponed until at least January 2024 to allow time for constituency redrawing based on the latest census results.

Kakar ruled out the possibility of negotiations between the government and the TTP, as the militants unilaterally ended a cease-fire in November.

Since the Taliban's takeover in neighboring Afghanistan, Pakistan has claimed that the TTP has found refuge with the Afghan Taliban, straining relations between Islamabad and Kabul.

Pakistan was a crucial ally of the United States in its war against terror after the 9/11 attacks, but it now faces one of its worst economic crises amid deepening political turmoil.

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During his news conference, Prime Minister Kakar emphasized that all political parties, including the opposition party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, led by imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan, would be permitted to participate in the upcoming elections. Kakar stated, "We are here just to assist the electoral process."

However, he did not directly mention Imran Khan, who is ineligible to run in the elections due to his three-year prison sentence for corruption. Khan, who was removed from office in an April 2022 no-confidence vote, remains the country's prominent opposition figure.