Pakistan’s Defense Minister, Khawaja Asif, stated in the National Assembly that for decades Pakistan operated in Afghanistan in pursuit of Western interests, describing the country’s role as that of a “mercenary.” He acknowledged that these policies were mistakes and suggested they continue to have consequences.
He said, “We have not yet fully acknowledged our past errors. Until we admit our historical mistakes, we cannot reform ourselves. We remained involved in Afghanistan for about 23 years. Now the question arises: why has terrorism increased in our own country? I believe this is the outcome of those very policies.”
His remarks come at a time when the Islamic Emirate has consistently accused Pakistan of interfering in Afghanistan’s internal affairs.