Pakistan Admits Losing Influence in Afghanistan to Regional Powers

Pakistan’s defense minister says Islamabad has lost influence in Afghanistan to wealthier regional states, citing strained ties and growing security tensions.

Defense Minister Khawaja Asif said Pakistan has lost its traditional sphere of influence in Afghanistan to regional countries including Turkey, the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and China.

In an interview with Germany’s Deutsche Welle, published Wednesday, Asif attributed the shift to economic realities, saying, “They can spend money...