Pak defence minister admits backing terrorism for 3 decades, doing the ‘dirty work’ for US

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif admitted during an interview with a British news channel that Pakistan has been funding and supporting terrorism for over three decades, claiming the country has been doing the ‘dirty work’ for the United States and the West, including Britain.

When asked by the journalist whether Pakistan had a long history of backing terrorism, including training and funding terrorist organisations, Asif had said that they  have been doing this dirty work for the United States for over three decades now. The West, including Britain, has also been involved. It was a mistake, he admitted.

His admission comes just two days after the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, where 28 innocent civilians, including 26 tourists, were brutally killed by Pakistan-sponsored terrorists. The terrorists reached Baisaran Valley and executed men who could not recite the ‘Kalma’, an Islamic verse.

The bodies of the victims were returned to their respective hometowns on Wednesday and Thursday, where political leaders from various states attended the funerals and paid tribute to the lives lost.

In the wake of the attack, an all-party meeting was held in New Delhi on Thursday, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and addressed by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Political parties across the spectrum, including the Congress, extended full support to the government’s measures to curb terrorism and ensure justice.

Prior to this, a high-level Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting was held on Wednesday, where key decisions were made to respond to Pakistan’s continued support for terrorism.

Major decision against Pakistan

India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 with immediate effect, citing Pakistan’s role in cross-border terrorism.

The Attari Integrated Check Post has been shut down, though Pakistani nationals who entered with valid documents may return via that route before May 1, 2025.

Entry of Pakistani nationals under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme is now revoked. All existing SAARC visas issued to Pakistani citizens are canceled. Those currently in India under this scheme have been given 48 hours to leave.

India will withdraw its Defence, Navy, and Air advisors from the High Commission in Islamabad.

In a reciprocal move, Pakistan’s military advisors in New Delhi have been declared persona non grata and given one week to leave the country.