Illicit arms trafficking ‘persists’ along Pakistan-Afghanistan border
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A Taliban security member holding a rifle ensures order in front of Azizi Bank in Kabul, Afghanistan, September 4, 2021. — Reuters
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A new report highlights the permanent issue of the spread of illegal arms along the border region between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Small arms survey, in its report titled “Documentation of Weapons in Afghanistan”, identified the continuous smuggling of weapons in the region, with both the Soviet era and NATO -style weapons still readily available in informal markets, despite the efforts of the Taliban to organize the Taliban.
Between 2022 and 2024, the Field Investigation focuses on the availability of weapons, prices and smuggling in the eastern provinces of Afghanistan and the tribal districts of Pakistan.
These results show that when the Taliban have tried to tighten civilian weapons, weapons continue to circulate, often with the approval of local Taliban officials.
These weapons are regularly turned to non -state armed groups, including Tahrik Talban Pakistan (TTP) and al -Qaeda, which raised concerns about regional security.
According to the report, the availability of small weapons, light weapons and ammunition in the border areas has changed significantly after the Taliban occupation in 2021.
The report has found that prices have seen a significant increase in NATO pattern weapons, such as M4 and M -16 rifles, which has increased by 13 % in M4S and 38 % in M -16S, which has increased by 38 % in Afghanistan’s Nangara and Kanar provinces.
This increase can indicate a decrease or increased demand for these weapons in the region. In comparison, the Soviet pattern weapons, including AK 47 rifles, have been more affordable and relatively stable in price.
Although the prices of NATO pattern weapons in Afghanistan have increased, they have been cheaper in Pakistan. For example, M4 rifles in Pakistan are priced between 3,325 and 7 3,700, which is cheaper than Afghanistan’s Khost and Nangarhar. On the other hand, the price of M -16S is lower in Pakistan, with an average of $ 1,245 and 4 1,400, while in Afghanistan compared to 8,824-3,065.
The report highlights that the change in prices is probably due to factors such as weapons, originality, and whether it is locally developed or high quality copy. These prices indicate the ongoing dynamics in the informal arms market, with different regions there are different levels of access to different types of weapons and demand.
The research conducted between June and September 2024 focused on the areas of Khost, Kanar, Bajur, Khyber, and North Waziristan, famous for active smuggling routes. The study says that when prices in Pakistan were relatively stable, the price of NATO pattern weapons in Afghanistan has fluctuated, especially in areas like Khost and Nangara, where prices are high due to the increase in demand from armed groups like TTP and Hakani networks.
In territories like Nangara’s Darba near the Pakistani border, M4 rifles were sold at 7 3,722, which is significantly more expensive in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where it can be purchased between $ 3,325 and $ 3,700. However, the prices of AK pattern rifles and RPG launchers remained more stable, during the monitoring period, minor fluctuations were observed.
Although Taliban sanctions seem to have had little effect on the availability of weapons in the unofficial markets of civilian weapons, the ongoing stability in arms prices in Pakistan has been attributed to the combination of factors.
Local weapons dealers are allegedly taking precautionary measures to avoid authorities, and avoids openly displaying NATO weapons to avoid visits. This has led to stability in prices in Pakistan, despite the backdrop of rebel activities and counter-terrorist acts such as “Azm-Eistertehkam” of Pakistan.
Looking closely at prices in Afghanistan and Pakistan shows many important trends. In Afghanistan, regions like Khost and Nangara, which have a strong offer of militants, have the highest NATO pattern prices, including M4S and M16s. The reason for this may be the demand for armed groups operating in these regions. On the contrary, in areas such as Pocketica and Pocketia, prices are low, suggesting that these regions may have better access to weapons or may face less demand.
The prices between Afghanistan and Pakistan are also linked to the supply chains, local market conditions and the influence of various armed groups.
For example, the control of the Haqqani network on the Khost and its smuggling routes is more priced in the region, as weapons have been diverted for the use of militants.
