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Picture Credit: Reuters
Pakistan’s long-denied role in supporting terrorism has come under renewed scrutiny following a candid admission by its Defence Minister, Khwaja Asif.
In an interview with Sky News anchor Yalda Hakim, now widely circulated online, Asif acknowledged that Pakistan had funded and supported terrorist organisations for decades.
When asked directly whether Pakistan had a history of backing, supporting, and training terrorist groups, Asif responded, “We have been doing this dirty work for the United States for about 3 decades and the West, including Britain. That was a mistake, and we suffered for that, and that is why you are saying this to me. 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.”
His remarks further escalated tensions as he went on to warn of a possible ‘all-out war’ with India during the same interview.
India Reacts To The Pahalgam Attack
The admission aligns with longstanding Indian claims that Pakistan has harboured terrorist groups operating across borders.
India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, addressing the media after a Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting, stated that the Pahalgam attack had clear cross-border connections.
He added that the attack came just as Jammu and Kashmir was witnessing successful elections and signs of steady economic progress.
In response to the attack that left 28 people dead in Pahalgam, the Indian government announced a series of diplomatic and strategic measures.
These included the closure of the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Attari and the suspension of the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) for Pakistani nationals, who have been given 40 hours to exit India.
Both countries are also reducing the number of diplomatic staff in their High Commissions.
India also announced the suspension of the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, a major step in bilateral relations.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued a firm warning, stating that those behind the attack, along with their conspirators, would face retribution beyond their imagination.
“The time has come to root out the remaining bases of terrorism. The collective resolve of 140 crore Indians will now shatter the backbone of those fueling terror,” PM Modi stated.
Also Read: Pakistan Announces Missile Test As Tensions Rise With India After Pahalgam Attack
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