Pakistan Admits ‘Dirty Work’ for U.S., Sparks Global Outrage

Pakistan Admits ‘Dirty Work’ for U.S., Sparks Global Outrage

In a startling revelation, Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif admitted in an interview with Sky News that his country had been “doing dirty work for the United States and the West, including Britain, for three decades.”

The remark, made amid heightened tensions with India after a deadly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, has reignited debates about Pakistan’s role in terrorism, its ties with the U.S., and its fraught relationship with India.

Context of the Statement

The comment came during an April 25 interview with Sky News presenter Yalda Hakim, just days after a major terror attack in Pahalgam killed 26 people. The popular tourist town was rocked by one of the deadliest attacks in recent years. In response, India took swift diplomatic actions: suspending the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, closing the Attari Integrated Check Post, and expelling Pakistani military attaches. Prime Minister Narendra Modi pledged to chase down the perpetrators “to the ends of the earth,” signaling a firm stance against what India sees as Pakistan-backed terrorism.

When Hakim questioned Asif about Pakistan’s alleged support for terror groups, he replied, “Well, we have been doing this dirty work for the United States for about three decades, you know, and the West, including Britain… That was a mistake, and we suffered for that.” He added that Pakistan’s decision to join the U.S. during the Soviet-Afghan War and later the post-9/11 War on Terror had damaged its reputation. According to Asif, “If we had not joined the war against the Soviet Union and later on the war after 9/11, Pakistan’s track record was unimpeachable.”

Many view his comments as an attempt to shift blame onto the West. But the admission has backfired, with both domestic critics and international observers interpreting it as a rare acknowledgment of complicity in terrorism.

What Was Asif Trying to Say?

Asif’s comments appear to serve several purposes. First, they reflect Pakistan’s frustration at being blamed for regional instability while acting as a key U.S. partner for decades. He pointed to the 1980s, when Pakistan—backed by the U.S. and Saudi Arabia—trained Afghan mujahideen against Soviet forces. That effort gave rise to groups like the Taliban. After 9/11, Pakistan supported U.S. counterterror efforts, though it often walked a fine line with militant groups.

Second, Asif seemed to address a domestic audience, where anti-American sentiment is strong. By calling Pakistan’s involvement “dirty work,” he deflected criticism from the military and intelligence agencies. These institutions are often accused of supporting militant groups to maintain influence in Afghanistan and pressure India. Still, his remarks risk further isolating Pakistan globally, especially as it seeks financial aid from Western countries.

Lastly, Asif made the statement in the context of India’s accusations over the Pahalgam attack. While denying any link and calling it a “false flag operation,” he may have unintentionally reinforced India’s claims that Pakistan sponsors terrorism.

Pakistan’s Relationship with the U.S. Over Three Decades

Pakistan and the U.S. have shared a complex, often uneasy alliance. In the 1980s, Pakistan played a key role in arming Afghan mujahideen during the Cold War. The CIA, working with Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), created a vast network of jihadist fighters. Some later became part of the Taliban and al-Qaeda. This era marked the beginning of Pakistan’s entanglement with militancy—what Asif now calls “dirty work.”

Relations cooled in the 1990s after the Soviet withdrawal. The U.S. imposed sanctions on Pakistan over its nuclear program. After 9/11, the relationship revived, with Pakistan becoming a key player in the War on Terror. President Musharraf’s regime received billions in aid to fight terrorism. However, Pakistan’s alleged support for certain militant groups led to deep mistrust. The 2011 killing of Osama bin Laden in Abbottabad further strained ties, with the U.S. suspecting Pakistan of harboring terrorists.

In recent years, the relationship has been largely transactional. U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021 and the Taliban’s return to power added new tensions. Pakistan now faces attacks from groups like Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Officials also worry about U.S. weapons left in Afghanistan falling into the wrong hands. A March 2025 train attack by Baloch insurgents highlighted this risk. Asif’s statement reflects lingering resentment over Pakistan’s role as a U.S. proxy.

Indian Officials’ Reaction: Silence, But Not for Long

As of April 25, Indian officials have yet to formally respond to Asif’s remarks. But this silence is not expected to last. India has long accused Pakistan of aiding terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed. Asif’s statement is likely to be viewed in India as a confirmation of those charges.

Indian media has already seized on the comments. Analysts called it a “stunning confession” that supports India’s global narrative. Sources in New Delhi suggest the government will raise the issue at the United Nations. India may push for tougher international action against Pakistan. The country has already downgraded diplomatic ties, suspended visas, and revoked the Shimla Agreement in response to the Pahalgam attack.

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has hinted at a “strong response.” Analysts speculate that India could consider cross-border strikes, similar to actions in 2016 and 2019. On social media, Indian users have expressed outrage. One post on X stated, “Pakistan’s Defence Minister just admitted what India has been saying for decades. This is a game-changer.”

Broader Implications: A Region on Edge

The fallout from Asif’s remarks could be severe. At home, the military faces criticism. Many accuse it of using “strategic importance” to justify massive defense budgets. Online critics have called the admission a “moment of embarrassment.”

Internationally, Pakistan’s credibility may suffer. The country is seeking Western aid during an economic crisis. Asif’s statement may complicate those efforts. The U.S. has not yet commented but will likely face pressure from India.

Tensions have already flared along the Line of Control, with both sides exchanging fire on April 25. Pakistan’s claim that the Pahalgam attack was staged by India has only worsened the situation.

For India, the remarks offer a diplomatic tool to isolate Pakistan. But they also raise the risk of conflict. Both nations are nuclear-armed. Miscalculation could have dire consequences. The United Nations has called for restraint. Yet, without active mediation, the region remains dangerously unstable.

As Asif’s comments continue to make waves, they have opened a Pandora’s box. Pakistan must now reckon with its past actions. Meanwhile, South Asia stands at a crossroads—facing both the potential for peace and the threat of war.

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