In a stunning revelation that sheds new light on the shadowy world of international intelligence operations, a former CIA officer has disclosed that the United States paid tens of millions of dollars in cash to Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) agency as "rewards" for their cooperation.
The Cash Pipeline to Pakistani Intelligence
The extraordinary admission comes from a former Central Intelligence Agency operative who served during critical periods of the Afghanistan conflict. According to the testimony, these substantial cash payments were systematically delivered to Pakistan's powerful spy agency over an extended period.
The former officer described how these multimillion-dollar cash transfers became a standard operational procedure, highlighting the complex and often controversial nature of intelligence partnerships in the war on terror.
Behind the Scenes of US-Pakistan Intelligence Cooperation
This revelation provides unprecedented insight into the practical workings of the much-discussed but rarely detailed intelligence relationship between Washington and Islamabad. While the strategic alliance between the two nations has been publicly acknowledged, the monetary dimensions of this cooperation have remained largely hidden from public view.
The cash payments, described as running into "tens of millions" of dollars, were reportedly designated as rewards for specific intelligence cooperation and operational support provided by the Pakistani agency during counterterrorism efforts.
Implications for Regional Security Dynamics
This disclosure raises significant questions about the nature of international intelligence partnerships and the financial transactions that underpin them. The substantial cash payments to ISI occurred during a period when Pakistan was simultaneously receiving billions of dollars in official US military and economic aid.
The testimony suggests a parallel financial stream operating outside conventional aid channels, specifically targeting the intelligence apparatus that has played a crucial role in regional security dynamics, particularly concerning Afghanistan and counterterrorism operations.
Unanswered Questions and Future Implications
While the former CIA officer confirmed the existence of these cash payments, many details remain unclear, including:
- The exact timeframe during which these payments occurred
- The specific intelligence cooperation that triggered these financial rewards
- The authorization process within US government channels
- How these payments were accounted for in official records
This revelation comes at a sensitive time in US-Pakistan relations, potentially influencing future intelligence cooperation and raising ethical questions about cash payments to foreign intelligence services.
