Tensions between the United States and Pakistan have escalated following a sharp rebuke from Republican Congressman Rich McCormick, Co-Chair of the India Caucus, directed at Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khwaja Asif. The controversy stems from Asif’s recent claim that Pakistan has been doing the “dirty work” for the United States and the West for three decades, particularly in supporting terrorist organizations during the U.S.-led wars in Afghanistan.
In a fiery response, McCormick demanded specifics from Asif, challenging the Pakistani minister to substantiate his allegations. “It makes me angry… How dare you?” McCormick stated, addressing the claims made during Asif’s interview with Sky News. “If Islamabad is going to accuse the U.S. of such actions, they need to provide evidence, not vague assertions,” he added, as reported by ANI. The congressman’s remarks reflect growing frustration in Washington over Pakistan’s narrative, especially amid strained bilateral relations following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 people.
Asif’s comments, made on April 24, 2025, admitted Pakistan’s historical role in “backing, supporting, training, and funding” terrorist groups, describing it as a mistake driven by Western alliances during the Soviet-Afghan War and post-9/11 operations. He suggested that Pakistan suffered consequences for these actions, claiming the country’s “track record was unimpeachable” had it not joined these conflicts. However, Asif also accused India of staging the Pahalgam attack, further inflaming tensions with both India and the U.S.
The Pahalgam attack, attributed to The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba, prompted India to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, close the Attari border post, and expel Pakistani diplomats. India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri highlighted the attack’s cross-border linkages, intensifying diplomatic fallout. Meanwhile, Asif’s denial of TRF’s existence and his claim that Lashkar-e-Taiba is “extinct” have drawn skepticism, given Pakistan’s documented history of harboring militant groups.
McCormick’s retort underscores a broader U.S. pushback against Pakistan’s attempts to deflect responsibility. Analysts note that Asif’s remarks may strain the already fragile U.S.-Pakistan relationship, which has faced challenges since the 2018 suspension of U.S. military aid over Pakistan’s “double game” in counterterrorism. The Biden administration has yet to respond officially to Asif’s claims, but McCormick’s outspoken criticism signals a potential shift toward a harder line in Congress.
The episode has also sparked debate on social media, with posts on X reflecting polarized sentiments. Some users echo McCormick’s indignation, while others view Asif’s admission as a rare acknowledgment of Pakistan’s past policies. As tensions simmer, the U.S. and Pakistan face a critical juncture in navigating their strategic partnership amid rising regional instability.
