US ducks Pakistan’s ‘dirty work’ remark as Kashmir tensions boil

The White House avoided giving a direct response when questioned about Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Asif’s startling claim that his country had done “dirty work” for the US and its allies for 30 years.

At a recent press briefing, US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce was asked to respond to Asif’s comment but deflected. “The Secretary of State will be speaking to foreign ministers of both nations. We’re closely monitoring the region and remain in communication with India and Pakistan at several levels,” she said, urging all sides to seek a peaceful resolution.

The controversy erupted after Asif told Sky News that Pakistan had historically worked for the US, UK, and other Western powers in ways he now views as erroneous. “It was a mistake, and Pakistan has suffered for it,” he admitted. However, when questioned about The Resistance Front’s alleged links to Pakistan, he denied any such ties, claiming that Lashkar-e-Taiba—the group’s parent outfit—no longer existed in the country.

As tensions between India and Pakistan intensified after the deadly Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians, the US said it was taking the matter seriously. Bruce confirmed Secretary of State Marco Rubio will soon speak with both countries’ foreign ministers, and is encouraging other global leaders to engage as well.

Washington reaffirmed it is working through multiple diplomatic channels to prevent further escalation between the nuclear-armed neighbours.

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