US Afghanistan War Commission Meets Pakistan Military

A U.S. Afghanistan War Commission delegation met Pakistan's Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Asim Munir, at GHQ Rawalpindi on Monday, September 28, 2026. The commission is conducting an independent review of major U.S. Decisions during the Afghanistan war from 2001 to 2021.

The delegation was led by commission co-chairs Shamila N. Chaudhary and Dr. Colin F. Jackson. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) stated that "the delegation is undertaking a review of the United States’ 20-year engagement in Afghanistan." Established by the U.S. Congress in 2021, the commission is examining the military, diplomatic, and strategic dimensions of the conflict that began after the September 11 attacks and ended with the U.S. Withdrawal in August 2021.

Pakistan's security perspective shared

Field Marshal Asim Munir briefed the U.S. Officials on Pakistan's security challenges throughout the prolonged conflict. He outlined the security dynamics and the difficulties Pakistan faced during the two decades of U.S. Regional presence. Munir showed the critical importance of incorporating this regional viewpoint into the commission's overall assessment of the war's strategic, diplomatic, and operational dimensions.

The conflict resulted in significant casualties and lasting security consequences for Afghanistan and its neighbours, including Pakistan. Since the Afghan Taliban returned to power in 2021, Pakistan has witnessed a sharp rise in cross-border terrorist incidents in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. Islamabad has repeatedly urged Kabul to prevent its territory from being used by militant organisations for attacks inside Pakistan, arguing the Taliban authorities have failed to take effective action.

Bilateral appreciation and regional security focus

The U.S. Delegation acknowledged Pakistan's longstanding role and sacrifices during the Afghanistan conflict. They appreciated what the ISPR termed "Pakistan’s continued contribution to regional peace and stability." Discussions covered Pakistan's support during the war, recent developments in Afghanistan, and the broader regional security environment, focusing on perspectives relevant to the commission's work.

The human and financial costs of the war were immense. Approximately 800,000 U.S. Servicemembers served in Afghanistan during the period.

Independent estimates place the total number of Afghan security forces and civilians killed at more than 100,000. A 2022 report indicated U.S. Military outsourcing pushed Pentagon spending to $14 trillion since 2001, with one-third to half going to contractors.

The commission will incorporate Pakistan's regional perspective into its assessment of the Afghanistan war's strategic, diplomatic and operational dimensions.