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, and we cannot.”

Pakistan has long been a key player in Afghanistan due to its shared border and past support for the mujahideen and later the Taliban against previous Afghanistan governments.

Pakistan once again warned it could launch airstrikes inside Afghanistan if militant groups continue using the country’s territory to stage attacks.

The defense minister said Islamabad would not hesitate to act again, stressing that military options remain available if security threats persist.

Despite backing the Taliban politically, financially and militarily during their insurgency, relations have soured since their return to power, with both sides trading accusations over militant support

Asif said Pakistan is paying the price for decades of policy toward Afghanistan, linking rising insecurity and internal crises to Islamabad’s historical backing of armed groups.

He acknowledged that while Pakistan has no option but to continue dialogue with the Taliban, he is no longer optimistic about improving relations and regrets his earlier praise of their takeover.

Asif also accused India of deepening ties with the Taliban and attempting to pressure Pakistan on two fronts, while warning that Islamabad could again carry out airstrikes if militant threats persist.

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