By Dr Lubna Farah
RAWALPINDI: Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff, on Monday met a delegation from the US Afghanistan War Commission, led by Co-Chairs Shamilia N. Chaudhary and Dr Colin F. Jackson, in Rawalpindi.
According to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the meeting focused on the evolving situation in Afghanistan, regional security, Pakistan’s role and support during the conflict, and other matters of mutual interest.
During the meeting, Field Marshal Munir briefed the US delegation on the security challenges and broader consequences Pakistan faced during the Afghanistan war.
He stressed that any comprehensive assessment of the conflict should take into account the wider regional perspective rather than being based solely on the experience of a single country.
The Pakistani side also highlighted the importance of incorporating Pakistan’s experiences, security challenges and sacrifices into the Commission’s assessment of the nearly two-decade conflict.
According to ISPR, the US delegation acknowledged Pakistan’s long-term role and sacrifices during the Afghanistan conflict and recognised its continued contribution to regional peace and stability.
US Afghanistan War Commission
The US Afghanistan War Commission was established by the US Congress as an independent body to examine the United States’ nearly two-decade involvement in Afghanistan.
Its mandate includes reviewing major strategic, diplomatic and operational decisions related to the conflict and identifying lessons for future US policy.
The Commission is jointly led by Shamilia N. Chaudhary and Dr Colin F. Jackson and comprises 16 members. In August 2026, the Commission extended its mandate, with its final report now expected in August 2027 to allow additional time for research and evidence-gathering.
The Rawalpindi meeting comes as the Commission continues its assessment of the US military and political involvement in Afghanistan and the wider consequences of the conflict.
For Pakistan, the engagement provides an opportunity to present its perspective on regional security, border challenges and the impact of the Afghanistan conflict on the country as part of the broader historical record under review.
The meeting, however, does not represent a final finding by the Commission. Its assessment remains underway, and the eventual report will determine how Pakistan’s perspective and regional experience are reflected in its conclusions.
