KABUL, Afghanistan — Former President Hamid Karzai has criticized Pakistan’s recent decision to name ballistic missiles after Afghan figures, calling instead for the names to be used for educational and cultural institutions.
In a statement released on Sunday, Mr. Karzai expressed concern over Pakistan’s repeated use of Afghan names for its military hardware. The most recent instance came last week, when Pakistan test-fired two ballistic missiles, including one named “Abdali.” Previous missiles have been named “Ghaznavi” and “Ghori,” both referencing historic rulers from the region now associated with Afghanistan.
“The Islamic Republic of Pakistan has once again tested a ballistic missile named ‘Abdali,’” Mr. Karzai said. “It is unfortunate that they continue to use names like ‘Ghaznavi’ and ‘Ghauri’ for weapons, even as Afghan nationals living in Pakistan are subjected to mistreatment.”
Mr. Karzai emphasized that Afghanistan has produced prominent scholars, thinkers and leaders throughout its history — figures who, he said, deserve to be honored in educational and cultural contexts, not military ones.
“Afghanistan has raised proud fighters and kings who are respected worldwide,” he said. “Their names should be associated with institutions of learning and culture, not with tools of war.”
Calling for improved regional ties, Mr. Karzai urged Pakistan to foster “respectful and civilized relations” with Afghanistan and to demonstrate goodwill by renaming its institutions — rather than weapons — in honor of shared historical figures.
Pakistan conducted the missile tests amid heightened tensions with India following recent unrest in the Kashmir region.
