Khawaja Asif Says US Used Pakistan ‘Worse Than Toilet Paper’ During Afghanistan Conflicts In Parliament Speech

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has sparked intense political debate after delivering a blunt and controversial speech in Parliament, accusing the United States of exploiting Pakistan’s strategic support during decades of conflict in Afghanistan. His remarks, which included unusually strong language, reflected growing frustration within sections of Pakistan’s political leadership over past foreign policy decisions and their long-term consequences.

Addressing lawmakers, Asif criticised Islamabad’s decision to realign with Washington after 1999, particularly in the context of the Afghanistan conflict and the global war on terror that followed the September 11 attacks. He argued that Pakistan’s leadership pursued American backing in hopes of gaining international legitimacy and security benefits, but ultimately paid a heavy price in terms of instability, economic challenges, and internal security threats.

The defence minister challenged longstanding narratives that framed Pakistan’s role in Afghanistan as a religious obligation. According to his statement, the idea of jihad was misused to mobilise citizens and justify involvement in conflicts driven largely by geopolitical calculations. He claimed that ideological shifts introduced during that period reshaped parts of the country’s education system and social environment, effects that continue to influence Pakistan today.

Asif also revisited the anti-Soviet war in Afghanistan during the 1980s, describing it as a struggle shaped primarily by external powers rather than genuine religious imperatives. He suggested that Pakistan’s participation in such conflicts created deep-rooted social and political consequences that remain difficult to reverse. His comments marked a rare public acknowledgment by a senior Pakistani leader questioning the strategic choices made by previous governments and military rulers.

During the parliamentary session, Asif referred to past alliances with Washington as a major miscalculation, stating that Pakistan was ultimately “used and discarded.” He accused former leaders, including military rulers, of entangling the country in wars that were not aligned with its long-term national interests. The defence minister noted that after supporting the US-led campaign against the Taliban, Pakistan faced continued violence and economic strain even after American forces withdrew from the region.

The speech has triggered strong reactions across political circles, with analysts noting that such candid admissions are uncommon in Pakistan’s official discourse on foreign policy. Observers believe the remarks could signal a shift in how sections of the Pakistani establishment publicly assess the country’s historical alliances and strategic positioning.

Experts say Asif’s comments highlight broader debates within Pakistan about sovereignty, security policy, and the cost of aligning too closely with global powers. While some view the speech as a moment of reflection on past mistakes, others see it as a political statement aimed at addressing domestic concerns amid ongoing regional challenges.

The discussion surrounding his remarks is likely to continue as Pakistan navigates complex relationships with major international partners while attempting to redefine its role in regional geopolitics.