The future of Afghanistan is still uncertain and hopes of a peace and stable Afghanistan is fading away with deterioration of political, economic and security conditions. Afghans have always welcomed the international community’s support aimed at securing their life and putting their country on the path to prosperity, development and reconstruction.

Also, the people of Afghanistan hope the international efforts will continue until Afghanistan is able to stand on its own feet. However, serious concerns among the Afghan population exist as the security is getting worse. The question that circulates in everyone’s mind is that, will the Afghan security forces be able to defend Afghanistan on their own? 

Today Afghan army is the most trustable and creditable organization in the eyes of the people of Afghanistan. It is the source of hope for the future of Afghanistan. However, keeping in view the capabilities and equipment in the hands of ANSF, there is no surety that it would fully be able to defend Afghanistan, once NATO troops are completely out.

At a meeting chaired by President Hamid Karzai on Sunday, July 14, the National Security Council (NSC) agreed to accelerate the process of repairing old weaponry and military vehicles and also procure transport aircraft for Afghanistan Air Force (AAF). This is indeed a need of time and such a decision must have been made long ago. Repairing old weaponry and military vehicles might address a minor part Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) need.  

For stronger defense, President Hamid Karzai has been calling upon the Western allies of Afghanistan to provide security forces of the country with latest artilleries, weapons, tanks and aircrafts. In his latest visit to India, he requested the same from his Indian counterpart. Nonetheless, no country has responded positively to the call of President Karzai. Afghanistan must now purchase war equipment and aircrafts of its need. 

It is feared that withdrawal of international forces from Afghanistan would lead to a chaotic situation in the country which will waste all the gains of the last decade. If NATO is to withdraw from Afghanistan, the pace of training and equipping the ANSF should be doubled. To let ANSF be in a better position against the Taliban and other groups of insurgents, it must be provided with latest weapons, tanks, war crafts and other military equipments.