In one of the most candid and controversial assessments of his country’s foreign policy, Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has stated that the United States has historically used Pakistan as a transactional partner and discarded it once its strategic objectives were met. Speaking in a television interview reported by NDTV, Asif used the stark analogy that Pakistan was used "like toilet paper."
The Minister’s remarks reflect a growing frustration within Islamabad regarding the "War on Terror" era and the subsequent cooling of relations between Washington and the Pakistani establishment. Asif argued that the heavy price paid by Pakistan—both in terms of human casualties and economic loss—was never fully acknowledged or compensated by its Western allies.
The Transactional Cycle
Asif pointed out that whenever the US required assistance in the region, particularly concerning Afghanistan, the relationship was prioritized. However, in the absence of a direct security need, Pakistan has faced sanctions and a pivot toward India by American policymakers. "We have been the scapegoat for failures that were not our own," the Minister asserted.
"The US used Pakistan for its own interests and then threw us away like toilet paper. This has been the pattern for decades, and we must learn to prioritize our own sovereignty." — Khawaja Asif.
Why It Matters
These remarks signal a hardening stance in Islamabad's attempt to diversify its strategic alliances, moving closer to Beijing and regional partners. For global observers, it highlights the deepening trust deficit in the US-Pakistan relationship, which remains critical for counter-terrorism efforts in South Asia. Washington has yet to issue a formal response to the Minister’s blunt commentary.
The Global Sun International Desk
Specialized reporting on South Asian diplomacy and global security.