Pakistan’s Defense Minister admits ‘Dirty Work’ of Training and Funding Terrorist for 3 decades

Pakistan’s defense minister admitted that the country had been involved in “dirty work” for the US, the UK, and the West, acknowledging past support for terrorist groups.

In an interview with Sky News, Pakistan’s Defense Minister, Khawaja Asif, acknowledged that his country had supported terrorist groups for three decades. He admitted, “We have been doing this dirty job for the United States, the UK, and the West for the past 30 years.” These remarks came during a conversation with Sky News journalist Yalda Hakim, where Asif was asked about Pakistan’s long-standing support for, training, and financing of terrorist organizations.

Khawaja Asif emphasized that Pakistan’s involvement in the Soviet-Afghanistan War of the 1980s and the War on Terror after the September 11 attacks led to the country’s association with terrorism. He stated that had Pakistan not participated in these conflicts, its international record would have remained “immaculate.” Asif acknowledged the grave consequences of these policies, which significantly impacted the country’s security and society.

Asif discussed the domestic costs of Pakistan’s support for terrorist groups. He pointed out that Pakistan’s society had been profoundly affected, with the country paying a heavy price in terms of security. The minister underscored that Pakistan’s security situation had deteriorated due to these past policies, and the repercussions are still felt today.

The Defense Minister’s comments come in the wake of a recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, which has further strained relations between Pakistan and India. Following the attack, India suspended the Indus Water Treaty, closed the Atari border, expelled Pakistani diplomats, and canceled visas issued to Pakistani citizens.

In retaliation, Pakistan closed the Wagah border, blocked Indian flights in its airspace, expelled Indian diplomats, and revoked visas for Indian nationals.

While Pakistan has denied involvement in the deadly attack on tourists in Kashmir, Indian authorities have accused Islamabad of being responsible. Pakistan has also countered these claims by accusing India of supporting anti-Pakistani militant groups. The escalating diplomatic row has led to the suspension of diplomatic ties between the two countries, further intensifying the tensions in the region.

The remarks by Pakistan’s Defense Minister shed light on the long-standing geopolitical complexities that have shaped the country’s foreign policies. The continuing tensions with India, combined with Pakistan’s internal security challenges, underscore the deep-rooted issues that need to be addressed for regional stability.

The ongoing diplomatic crisis highlights the volatile nature of South Asian geopolitics. Pakistan’s past actions and its denial of any involvement in the Kashmir attack have added another layer of uncertainty.

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