U.S. Double Game: Funding Pakistan’s Military While Claiming to Fight Terrorism

India Calls Out Pakistan at UN as Washington Supports Islamabad’s F-16 Fleet

February 25, 2025 – The United States has once again demonstrated a contradictory approach to South Asian geopolitics by approving $397 million in funding for Pakistan’s F-16 fighter jet fleet. This decision, made under President Donald Trump’s second term, raises serious concerns about Washington’s commitment to fighting global terrorism, especially given Pakistan’s history of harboring terror groups responsible for attacks against India.

Trump’s Policy Reversal: From Condemnation to Military Aid

This move is in stark contrast to Trump’s own 2018 decision to suspend all U.S. security aid to Pakistan, citing its “lies and deceit” in supporting terrorist organizations.

“The United States has foolishly given Pakistan more than $33 billion in aid over the last 15 years, and they have given us nothing but lies and deceit. They give safe havens to the terrorists we hunt in Afghanistan… No more!” Trump had tweeted in 2018.

However, just years later, the same administration has resumed military funding for Pakistan, raising questions about Washington’s real priorities. While U.S. officials claim that the F-16s are meant for counterterrorism operations, historical evidence suggests otherwise—Pakistan has repeatedly misused these fighter jets against India.

• 2019 Balakot Airstrike Aftermath: After India’s airstrike on terror camps in Balakot, Pakistan deployed F-16s against Indian Air Force (IAF) jets, violating its agreement with the U.S.
• Repeated Violations of End-User Agreements: Originally supplied for counterterrorism purposes, Pakistan has used these jets in conflicts with India, demonstrating a clear breach of trust.

Despite these violations, Washington continues to bolster Pakistan’s military capabilities while simultaneously claiming to fight terrorism.

Pakistan: The Global Epicenter of Terrorism

For decades, Pakistan has played a dangerous double game—projecting itself as a counterterrorism ally while actively supporting extremist groups.

• 2008 Mumbai Attacks: Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) killed 166 civilians in a coordinated terrorist attack.
• 2019 Pulwama Attack: Pakistan-backed Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) carried out a suicide bombing that killed 40 Indian paramilitary personnel.
• Harboring Terrorists: Internationally designated terrorists like Hafiz Saeed, Masood Azhar, and Dawood Ibrahim continue to operate freely in Pakistan.

India Exposes Pakistan at the UN

At the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) meeting on February 20, India’s Permanent Representative, Parvathaneni Harish, directly called out Pakistan’s support for terrorism.

“Pakistan is the global epicenter of terrorism, harboring more than 20 UN-listed terrorist entities and providing state support to cross-border terrorism,” Harish stated.

He further criticized Pakistan’s misleading attempts to portray itself as a counterterrorism partner while continuing to shelter terror groups.

U.S. Balancing Act: F-16s for Pakistan, F-35s for India?

In an unexpected move, Trump has also offered India the advanced F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter, raising questions about Washington’s strategic intentions.

• Selective Restrictions: The U.S. blocked NATO ally Turkey from acquiring F-35s over its purchase of Russia’s S-400 air defense system, yet is willing to sell them to India despite similar concerns.
• High Costs & Dependence: The F-35 program is among the most expensive in history, with operational costs and U.S.-imposed restrictions limiting India’s autonomy.
• Limited Technology Transfer: Unlike Russia’s Su-57E, the U.S. is unlikely to allow India to locally manufacture or modify F-35s, reducing its long-term benefits.

While the U.S. presents this offer as support for India’s defense modernization, it raises concerns about whether Washington is merely placating India while continuing to fund Pakistan’s military.

Washington’s Hypocrisy Undermines Global Security

The Trump administration’s contradictory actions—arming Pakistan’s military while offering India advanced jets—expose Washington’s duplicity. Instead of holding Pakistan accountable for its support of terrorism, the U.S. continues to strengthen Islamabad’s military, further destabilizing South Asia.

India, however, remains steadfast in its counterterrorism efforts, ensuring that Pakistan’s terror links are exposed on global platforms. As Washington plays its balancing act, the real solution lies in cutting off military aid to Pakistan and taking firm action against its terror infrastructure.

The world must stop rewarding Pakistan’s duplicity and recognize India’s determined stand against terrorism.

***