Former U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad has questioned whether Pakistan pursued a “double game” during the war in Afghanistan, following recent remarks by Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif about Islamabad’s role after the September 11 attacks.

Speaking in Pakistan’s parliament, Asif said the country had effectively “rented itself to the United States” by aligning with Washington in the U.S.-led war on terror.

Responding to the comments, Khalilzad noted that while Pakistan was receiving U.S. military and financial assistance, it was also accused of providing sanctuary to groups fighting American and allied forces in Afghanistan. He questioned whether this amounted to playing both sides of the conflict.

Khalilzad further asked whether Pakistani authorities may have received benefits or “rent” from another power in return for offering safe haven to anti-U.S. fighters, suggesting that clear answers could provide greater insight into regional policies during the Afghanistan war.

His remarks came a day after Asif said that previous wars in Afghanistan were driven by political interests rather than long-term stability.

US Vice President J.D. Vance has praised Azerbaijan’s contribution during the war in Afghanistan, describing the partnership between Washington and Baku as highly significant.

Speaking during a joint meeting and press conference with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, Vance conveyed the respect of the US President to both Aliyev and the people of Azerbaijan. He said the relationship between the two countries has been “an underestimated but very, very important partnership and friendship” for the United States.

Vance noted that many Americans may not be aware that Azerbaijani forces were among the last to leave Afghanistan.

He highlighted Azerbaijan’s supportive role in the global war on terrorism, stating that its troops fought alongside US forces in Afghanistan.

The US Vice President emphasized that Washington seeks not only to express appreciation for Azerbaijan’s past cooperation but also to turn the page and open a new chapter in bilateral relations between the two countries.

The Ministry of Public Health announced on Tuesday it has signed a cooperation agreement with the Ministry of Higher Education aimed at expanding scientific, research, educational, and technical cooperation.

At the signing ceremony held in Kabul, Noor Jalal Jalali, Minister of Public Health, said that the agreement would lead to significant improvements in the capacity-building of students and doctors, ensure that research is conducted based on evidence, and enable the collection of accurate data.

Meanwhile, Neda Mohammad Nadeem, Minister of Higher Education, described the agreement as beneficial to the public and to both institutions, stressing the need to train individuals at universities who can contribute to social development and make the country self-sufficient in the public health sector.