Soviet and U.S.-Led Wars in Afghanistan Not Fought for Islam, Pakistan Defense Minister Says

Pakistan defense minister tells parliament past Afghanistan wars served political interests, not religion, while regional security consequences continue affecting national policy debates.

Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif told parliament on Monday that Soviet forces were invited by Afghanistan’s government, arguing the term occupation reflected a narrative shaped largely by the United States.

He said Pakistan’s involvement in conflicts connected to Afghanistan was driven...