New Delhi, June 8, 2025 — In a striking commentary that has sparked international discussion, a former officer of the Indian Air Force (IAF) has accused Pakistan of deceiving global powers for decades — first the United States, and now allegedly attempting to do the same with China.
The officer’s claims have come in response to an article by American political scientist and South Asia expert Dr. C. Christine Fair, who stated that Pakistan has long played the role of a “master manipulator” in international geopolitics. In her piece, Dr. Fair outlined how successive US administrations were misled by Pakistan’s strategic doublespeak — especially in the context of the war on terror and Islamabad's covert support for extremist groups.
The former IAF officer echoed these sentiments, warning that Beijing may be walking into a similar trap under the illusion of strategic cooperation with Islamabad. "Pakistan played the United States for decades, pocketing billions in aid while simultaneously supporting forces that undermined US interests in Afghanistan and beyond. China must beware — it is next in line," the officer remarked.
This comment comes amid increasing Sino-Pakistan cooperation under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a key element of China’s Belt and Road Initiative. While Beijing has heavily invested in infrastructure and economic development in Pakistan, analysts have raised concerns about political instability, growing debt, and the risks posed by militant activity in the region.
Dr. Fair's article further underlines how Pakistan has long used its strategic geography to extract concessions and aid from global superpowers, while keeping its own national interests — including nurturing non-state actors — at the forefront.
Experts believe that such revelations may add tension to the fragile diplomatic balance in South Asia, especially as the global order continues to shift with China’s rise and America’s recalibration of foreign policy priorities.
The former IAF officer’s blunt statement is being viewed not only as a strategic caution to Beijing but also as a reminder of Pakistan’s historical duplicity in global affairs.
