Pakistan Defense Minister Calls for End to Political Use of Religion

DID Press: Khawaja Asif has urged an end to the politicization of religion, warning that its long-term use as a political tool has created deep divisions within Pakistan.

In a message posted on X (formerly Twitter), Asif criticized what he described as the instrumental use of religion in politics, saying it has distorted the country’s history and fueled social polarization.

The defense minister said two past military rulers drew Pakistan into wars aimed largely at strengthening personal dictatorships and securing Western support, particularly from the United States.

He added that Pakistan’s involvement in the war in Afghanistan led to historical narratives being reshaped by former rulers and foreign actors, with individuals arriving from Afghanistan portrayed as national heroes, despite Pakistan having its own legacy of figures.

According to Asif, the process eventually turned religion into a source of political conflict, transforming what he described as a once-tolerant society into one marked by deep and sometimes violent divisions.

He also claimed that Pakistan’s school curricula were influenced by external actors, particularly the United States, affecting the country’s historical, cultural, and religious identity.

Asif concluded by calling for a national effort to end the political exploitation of religion, stressing that doing so is essential for social cohesion, peace, and the preservation of Pakistan’s cultural identity.