News Desk: Pakistan’s role in the Afghanistan war, regional security and the challenges faced during the 20-year US military engagement in Afghanistan came under discussion as a delegation of the US Afghanistan War Commission met Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir at General Headquarters (GHQ) on Monday.
The US Afghanistan War Commission delegation was led by its Co-Chairs Shamila N. Chaudhary and Dr Colin F. Jackson. The commission is reviewing the United States’ military, diplomatic and strategic engagement in Afghanistan from June 2001 to August 2021.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Field Marshal Asim Munir briefed the delegation on Pakistan’s perspective on the security dynamics surrounding the Afghanistan conflict and the challenges Pakistan faced during the prolonged US presence in the region.
The army chief emphasised the importance of incorporating a regional perspective into the assessment of the Afghanistan war. He also highlighted Pakistan’s experience in understanding the strategic, diplomatic and operational dimensions of the conflict.
The meeting also covered Pakistan’s support during the Afghanistan war, developments in Afghanistan and the broader regional security environment, ISPR said.
The US delegation acknowledged Pakistan’s longstanding role and sacrifices during the Afghanistan conflict and appreciated the country’s contribution to regional peace and stability.
Pakistan remained a key regional actor throughout the US-led war in Afghanistan, which began after the September 11, 2001 attacks and continued for nearly two decades.
The United States completed the withdrawal of its forces from Afghanistan on August 30, 2021, ending its longest war. The conflict resulted in significant military and civilian casualties and had lasting security and political consequences for Afghanistan and neighbouring countries, including Pakistan.
The Afghanistan War Commission was established by the US Congress in 2021 to conduct an independent review of major US decisions and actions during the Afghanistan war. Its assessment includes the strategic, diplomatic, military and operational aspects of the conflict.
The commission’s engagement with Pakistani officials comes as it examines the wider regional impact of the US intervention and the factors that shaped the course of the Afghanistan war.
