Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif delivered a scathing critique of his country's historical ties with the United States during a session of the National Assembly on February 10 or 11, 2026. In unusually blunt remarks, Asif accused Washington of exploiting Pakistan for its strategic objectives—particularly in the context of conflicts in Afghanistan—and then discarding it once those goals were achieved. He stated that Pakistan was treated "worse than a piece of toilet paper," used for a specific purpose and then thrown away, highlighting what he described as a pattern of misuse without lasting benefits or compensation for Islamabad.

The comments came amid discussions on terrorism and Pakistan's past foreign policy decisions, including alignments under military rulers such as General Zia-ul-Haq and General Pervez Musharraf. Asif referenced Pakistan's involvement in the Soviet-Afghan war in the 1980s and the post-9/11 US-led campaign in Afghanistan after 2001, claiming these were not Pakistan's own wars but "superpower wars" in which the country was drawn in for political legitimacy and external support. He emphasized that Pakistan "rented itself out" for two decades, often under misleading narratives, and paid a heavy price in terms of violence, radicalisation, economic strain, and irreversible damage that no compensation could rectify.

Asif also admitted that Pakistan frequently denies its past role in supporting militancy or terror activities, labeling such denials as mistakes rooted in dictatorial decisions. He noted that the country even altered its educational curriculum to align with these engagements, changes that persist and contribute to ongoing issues. The minister contradicted common narratives by asserting that Pakistan's participation was driven by geopolitical expediency rather than religious or jihadist motives, turning against groups like the Taliban at Washington's behest in 2001.

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The remarks represent one of the starkest public acknowledgments from a senior Pakistani official regarding the perceived imbalances in US-Pakistan relations, which have long been characterized by cooperation during crises followed by periods of estrangement. Asif's speech has drawn significant attention regionally, with some viewing it as a reflection of frustration over unfulfilled promises of aid and strategic partnership after the US withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021. It aligns with occasional criticisms from Pakistani leaders about being treated as a transactional ally.

The admission underscores broader debates in Pakistan about foreign policy lessons from past alignments, particularly the long-term consequences of involvement in Afghan conflicts. Asif's comments, widely reported across international media, highlight ongoing sensitivities in bilateral ties and the challenges of navigating relations with major powers amid domestic security and economic pressures. No immediate official response from the US has been detailed in reports, but the statement has fueled discussions on accountability and strategic autonomy in South Asia.

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