Afrasiab Khattak Says Pakistan’s Use of Afghan Refugees in War Economy Could Spark ‘Another 9/11’

Afrasiab Khattak accused Pakistan’s military of exploiting Afghan refugees for its war economy, diverting aid, backing militants, and warned that ignoring Afghanistan could trigger another 9/11-style crisis.

Former senator and Awami National Party leader Afrasiab Khattak has accused Pakistan’s military of systematically exploiting Afghan refugees for decades to serve its so-called “war economy.”

Speaking at an event marking the fourth anniversary of Taliban rule in Afghanistan, Khattak alleged that refugees were used as “cannon fodder” in regional conflicts. He said senior generals profited by diverting international aid meant for displaced Afghans into training militant groups.

Khattak further argued that Afghan and Pakistani Taliban are essentially one movement, describing their rise as part of a long-term military project directed from Pakistan. He warned this has entrenched instability on both sides of the border.

He also cautioned against a new wave of “Talibanization,” claiming that Pakistani madrassas are now opening branches inside Afghanistan. According to him, such expansion risks exporting extremism into Central Asia.

The veteran politician criticized global powers for focusing on geopolitical competition while overlooking Afghanistan’s humanitarian crisis. He said China is eyeing mineral wealth, Russia has recognized the Taliban without investing, while the U.S. and others have left the group political space.

Khattak warned that ignoring Afghanistan’s collapse could have devastating consequences for global security, even raising the possibility of “another 9/11-type event” if the country remains abandoned.

Observers say Khattak’s remarks echo long-standing domestic criticism of Pakistan’s security establishment, which has often been accused of using Afghan refugees and militant groups as instruments of regional policy.

Analysts caution that unless both Pakistan and the international community adopt a coordinated approach, Afghanistan risks sliding deeper into instability, with consequences likely to spill across borders.

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