Pakistan defence minister admits backing ‘jihad’ during US-Soviet Afghan war

Islamabad/Washington (The Uttam Hindu): Pakistan 's Defense Minister Khawaja Asif has admitted that Pakistan supported "jihad" during the war in Afghanistan against the Soviet Union and later the United States. His statement, made in an interview, has caused a stir in political and diplomatic circles.

Khawaja Asif said that Pakistan did not do this on its own, but in collaboration with the US and Western countries. He acknowledged that Pakistan still suffers the consequences of the decisions made during that period. He said, "We did this dirty work for the US and the West for nearly three decades."

The defense minister said that if Pakistan had not sided with the Soviet Union at the time or with the United States later, its record would have been "unblemished." He also said that Pakistan has paid a heavy price for that policy, which includes terrorism, extremism, and internal instability.

It is noteworthy that during the Soviet-Afghan War in the 1980s, Pakistan, along with the United States and Saudi Arabia, supported the Afghan Mujahideen. When the US launched its "War on Terror" after 9/11, Pakistan also became a key ally. However, during this period, Pakistan was also accused of adopting a double standard and harboring terrorist organizations.

Khawaja Asif's statement comes at a time when Pakistan is grappling with economic crisis, political instability, and security challenges. Analysts believe this admission raises questions about Pakistan's past security and foreign policy.