Sectarianism, Geopolitics, and the Legacy of Mujahideen: Pakistan's Role in the Soviet-Afghan War

Abstract

The study explores the significant consequences of sectarianism for Pakistan's domestic security, linking its origin to Zia's Islamization drive and U.S. strategic partnerships during the Soviet-Afghan War. Zia's government, supported by substantial foreign assistance, gave more importance to importing consumer goods than to essential industries, leading to poor economic management and a rapidly growing national debt. In this context, Pakistan played a crucial role in the Afghan conflict, driven by its geopolitical ambitions. It sought to establish itself as a stronghold of Islam and suppress Afghan nationalism. The Mujahideen, who symbolized the Afghan resistance, received significant backing from Pakistan and international allies, resulting in a transformation in the war dynamics. The Mujahideen's tenacity, bolstered by external assistance and sophisticated armaments, finally led to the Soviet Union's retreat and the downfall of the Soviet-backed government in Kabul. This study highlights the long-lasting impact of Mujahideen's fight, which has shaped the geopolitical landscape of the region and played a role in the breakup of the Soviet Union.