Pakistan's use of Islamist groups in the 1980s to fight Soviet forces in Afghanistan started a chain reaction. After the Soviets left, these proxy fighters clashed. Pakistan helped create the Taliban by 1996, hoping to control Afghanistan’s future. But the plan backfired as many militants turned against Pakistan, forming groups like the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). They demanded strict Sharia law and a 'Greater Afghanistan' including parts of Pakistan. Over 80,000 Pakistani troops and civilians died in two decades of proxy-fueled violence. This shows how proxies can become deadly threats to their sponsors—a phenomenon called 'blowback.' Similar cases include the rise of Hamas in Palestine, the Islamic State in Iraq, and rebel groups in Mozambique funded by South Africa. Experts warn that proxies act as independent players, not controllable weapons. British political scientist Andrew Mumford said proxies have their own agendas and often turn violent against their creators, forcing states to spend more to contain them. Yet, despite these risks, many states still prefer using proxies for quick, low-cost gains. India is also accused of using proxy groups like the Balochistan Liberation Army to destabilize Pakistan. The UAE has supported militias in Libya, Yemen, and Sudan, gaining power far beyond its size but also causing instability and crises. American analyst Tyrone Groh said the 'Frankenstein' lesson is often ignored as countries choose immediate strategic benefits over long-term safety. This ongoing proxy warfare highlights a dangerous trend in modern geopolitics where short-term wins can trigger long-term losses and chaos across regions.