US Delegation Meets Asim Munir To Discuss Pakistan's Role In Afghanistan War

A delegation of the US Afghanistan War Commission met Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir in Rawalpindi on September 28, discussing Pakistan’s role in the Afghanistan war, regional security and developments in Afghanistan as the commission reviews Washington’s 20-year engagement in the country.

The delegation, led by co-chairs Shamila N Chaudhary and Colin F Jackson, discussed Pakistan’s support during the conflict, the regional security environment and issues relevant to the commission’s work. The delegation acknowledged Pakistan’s long-standing role and sacrifices during the Afghanistan conflict and its contribution to regional peace and stability.

Munir shared Pakistan’s perspective on the security dynamics that shaped the war and highlighted the challenges faced by the country. He stressed the importance of including the regional perspective and Pakistan’s experience while assessing the strategic, diplomatic and operational dimensions of the conflict.

The Afghanistan War Commission was established by the US Congress in 2021 to independently review US decisions relating to the war from June 2001 to August 2021. Its review covers military operations, diplomacy, intelligence, counterterrorism, reconstruction and development assistance. The commission’s final report is now due in August 2027 after its mandate was extended by one year to allow further research and assessment.

The US completed its military withdrawal from Afghanistan shortly before midnight on August 30, 2021, ending its 20-year war. About 800,000 US service members served in Afghanistan, with 2,238 killed and nearly 21,000 wounded.

More than 40,000 Afghan civilians were killed and 77,000 wounded, according to figures cited from the UN mission in Afghanistan, while independent estimates put Afghan security personnel and civilian deaths at more than 100,000. A 2022 Wall Street Journal report estimated US military outsourcing had contributed to Pentagon spending of around USD 14 trillion since September 11, 2001.

The meeting comes amid renewed Pakistan-Afghanistan tensions. Pakistan recently carried out strikes on 10 locations in Afghanistan after saying drones had been launched from Afghan territory; Afghan officials reported civilian deaths.

On September 27, Afghanistan said its forces killed 28 fighters and wounded 32 in Nuristan after a group crossed from Pakistan. Kabul alleged Pakistani support, while Pakistan had not immediately responded to the claims.