US Used Pakistan Worse Than Toilet Paper, Says Khawaja Asif in Parliament
Editor: Sudhir Choudhary
Date: February 11, 2026
Islamabad | The Vagabond News
Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif delivered a sharply worded speech in the Pakistan National Assembly on Monday, accusing the United States of repeatedly abandoning Pakistan after extracting strategic cooperation, remarks that immediately drew national attention and international scrutiny.
Speaking during a parliamentary session focused on foreign policy and national security, Asif stated that Washington had “used Pakistan worse than toilet paper,” asserting that successive U.S. administrations relied on Islamabad during times of regional conflict and then disengaged once their objectives were met. The comment was made on the floor of parliament and recorded in official proceedings.
Remarks Made During Parliamentary Debate
According to parliamentary records, Asif’s comments came amid a broader debate on Pakistan’s historical alignment with Western powers, particularly during the Cold War, the Soviet-Afghan conflict of the 1980s, and the U.S.-led war on terror following the September 11 attacks.
“We paid a heavy price for alliances that served others more than ourselves,” Asif told lawmakers, referencing economic instability, internal security challenges, and militant blowback that Pakistan has faced over decades. He argued that Pakistan’s strategic decisions were often shaped by external pressure rather than long-term national interest.
The defence minister did not announce any new policy measures during the speech, nor did he indicate that the government was formally revising its diplomatic posture toward Washington. Officials present confirmed that the remarks reflected Asif’s critique of past policies rather than an immediate shift in bilateral relations.
Historical Context of Pakistan–U.S. Relations
Pakistan and the United States have maintained a complex and often transactional relationship since the 1950s. Islamabad was a key U.S. ally during the Cold War and later became central to American military operations in Afghanistan after 2001. While Pakistan received billions of dollars in military and economic assistance during these periods, ties frequently deteriorated amid mutual accusations of mistrust and unmet expectations.
Successive Pakistani governments have publicly expressed frustration over what they describe as uneven treatment, particularly following U.S. troop withdrawals from the region. American officials, for their part, have often criticized Pakistan over security concerns and policy differences. No immediate response from U.S. authorities to Asif’s latest remarks had been issued at the time of publication.
Political Reaction and Official Silence
Opposition lawmakers in the National Assembly offered mixed reactions. Some supported Asif’s blunt language, saying it reflected popular sentiment and long-standing grievances. Others cautioned that such rhetoric could complicate diplomacy at a time when Pakistan faces economic challenges and seeks broader international engagement.
Government spokespeople later clarified that Pakistan remains committed to maintaining diplomatic channels with all major powers, including the United States, and emphasized that foreign policy decisions are guided by state institutions rather than individual remarks.
As of now, no official statement has been released by Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs elaborating on or distancing itself from the defence minister’s language. Analysts note that while such statements resonate domestically, they do not automatically translate into policy change.
What Is Known — and What Is Not
What is confirmed is that Khawaja Asif made the statement during an official parliamentary session, and it is part of the public record. What has not been officially announced is any alteration in Pakistan’s diplomatic or military engagement with the United States following the remarks. There has also been no confirmation of any bilateral response or protest from Washington.
For now, the episode underscores ongoing tensions in Pakistan’s public discourse over its historical alliances and the costs associated with them, without signaling an immediate shift in foreign policy.
Sources:
– Official proceedings of the Pakistan National Assembly
– Statements recorded by Pakistani parliamentary broadcasters
Tags: Pakistan politics, Pakistan–U.S. relations, Khawaja Asif, National Assembly, foreign policy
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