Islamabad, Pakistan – Web Desk: Federal Defense Minister Khawaja Asif spoke in the National Assembly today, reflecting on Pakistan’s involvement in post-9/11 conflicts and criticizing decades of foreign-aligned military engagements. He emphasized that despite the global repercussions of the September 11 attacks, the identity of the perpetrators remains unknown, and no Afghan, Pashtun, or Hazara individuals were involved.
Addressing lawmakers, Khawaja Asif described Pakistan’s participation in two “proxy wars” that followed 9/11, calling them wars fought at the behest of superpowers and later abandoned. He lamented that Pakistan became a frontline state for American interests, noting that the country was used for decades yet little strategic insight was gained.
The Defense Minister also referenced historical ties with Afghanistan, pointing out that at one time Pakistan-Afghanistan travel required no visas, and even he personally traveled to Afghanistan without documentation. He stressed that the conflicts in Afghanistan were not a “jihad” initiated by Pakistan, but rather engagements dictated by foreign powers, leaving the country with long-term consequences for its security and national policy.
Khawaja Asif criticized the educational and historical narrative in Pakistan, asserting that the national curriculum has not been restored to reflect the country’s true history. He remarked that Pakistan’s participation in these wars was effectively outsourced to serve the interests of foreign powers, leaving the country to contend with the aftermath.
The minister also urged the nation to acknowledge past mistakes in order to move forward. He highlighted how Pakistan’s own heroes are often overlooked, with streets and institutions named after foreign figures rather than national icons. He invoked Quaid-e-Azam’s principles of unity, faith, and discipline, cautioning that these values were often misapplied.
Khawaja Asif concluded that until Pakistan critically evaluates its past decisions and acknowledges errors, the country cannot make informed progress in regional and global affairs. His remarks have reignited discussions on Pakistan’s post-9/11 foreign policy, its role in Afghanistan, and the broader implications for national security and historical narrative.
