In a blistering critique, Michael Rubin, senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and former Pentagon adviser, has lashed out at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for approving a $1 billion bailout to Pakistan, calling it a handout to a “terror-addled, pro-China regime” that undermines U.S. foreign policy and rewards terrorism-linked behavior.“To release $1 billion to a terror-addled, pro-China regime… was not just about Pakistan; it was about the IMF thumbing its nose at President Donald Trump,” Rubin wrote in a searing op-ed published by Washington Examiner.
The IMF’s decision comes at a time of heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, following the Pahalgam terrorist attack, where Pakistan-based militants killed 26 Indian civilians. Rubin noted that Pakistani military officers not only attended the terrorists’ funerals in uniform but subsequently launched attacks on India, prompting New Delhi to initiate Operation Sindoor, a swift military retaliation.
Rubin accused the Trump administration of inaction and criticized the timing of the IMF’s bailout.“Rather than say good riddance and deny ties, Pakistani military officers attended the terrorists’ funerals… and then attacked India.”
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He argued that the funding undermines U.S. diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions between the nuclear-armed rivals, and called for stronger U.S. oversight on multilateral aid programs.“Trump should not tolerate such waste, fraud, or disrespect,” Rubin said, pointing out that the United States contributes over $150 billion to the IMF. He highlighted Trump’s executive order of February 4, directing a 180-day review of U.S. involvement in international organizations, urging that IMF contributions be reconsidered.
IMF Bailout Is ‘Cover for Chinese Debt’
Rubin emphasized that the IMF bailout effectively serves Chinese strategic interests, as Pakistan owes nearly $40 billion to China under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).“Pakistan is a satrapy of China,” Rubin warned. “The IMF money is also effectively bailing out the People’s Republic of China.”
He called the move a geopolitical blunder, especially in the context of global efforts to curb China’s influence and Pakistan’s deteriorating credibility as a counterterrorism partner.
‘Pakistan Went Running Like a Scared Dog’
In an interview with ANI, Rubin praised India’s military response through Operation Sindoor, asserting it turned the tide against Pakistan’s long-standing global narrative.“Militarily, Pakistan is shocked… Pakistan has started every single war with India and yet convinced itself that somehow it has won,” he said. “It’s going to be very difficult for Pakistan to convince itself that it won this 4-day war.”
Describing Pakistan’s military retaliation as “disorganised and ineffective,” Rubin said:“Islamabad went running to try to achieve a ceasefire like a scared dog with its tail between its legs… There is absolutely no spin that the Pakistani military can put on what occurred… they not only lost, they lost very, very badly.”
Rubin’s statements echo growing calls in U.S. policy circles to reassess financial and strategic engagements with Pakistan, especially in light of its alleged support for terrorism and increasing alignment with Beijing.
