Pakistan's Defence Minister: "Jihad was a concept created by the West, and Pakistan unintentionally became a center for extremism"

Image: Jihad Watch

Islamabad: Pakistan's Defence Minister, Khawaja Muhammad Asif, has stirred controversy with his startling claim that the militant interpretation of ‘jihad’ was introduced to Pakistan by Western powers. Asif suggested that Pakistan lacked a history of religious extremism prior to its alliance with the West during the Cold War, particularly in support of the Afghan jihad against the Soviet Union. He argued that this partnership marked the onset of radicalisation in the region.

Asif’s remarks, which link the concept of jihad to Western influence, have drawn sharp reactions worldwide, particularly from Western nations who view the statement as an attempt to deflect blame for the rise of terrorism. Nonetheless, the comment has also reignited scrutiny of the West's involvement in fostering extremism during that era.

The statement comes amid heightened tensions with India following a brutal terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam. Asif’s assertions have sparked intense debate, with critics questioning the accuracy of his claims. Analysts note that while Pakistan’s involvement in the Afghan jihad did contribute to the growth of extremist groups, the roots of radicalisation in Pakistan are complex and also stem from internal factors such as military rule and sectarian divisions.

In a provocative comment, Asif stated, “Apparently, the West invented jihad and Pakistan just accidentally became a hub for extremism.”

In a further striking admission, Asif acknowledged during a foreign media interview that Pakistan had supported, funded, and harboured terrorism for over 30 years—a mistake, he said, the country is now paying for. His comment was in response to a question about Pakistan’s longstanding ties to terrorist organisations.

Asif’s claim that extremism in Pakistan only began with its alignment with the West oversimplifies a deeply layered issue. While the Afghan conflict undeniably played a role in the rise of radical groups, Pakistan’s experience with extremism is also rooted in its own political, social, and ideological history.

(This Article was originally published by Jihad Watch)