Pakistan Minister: US Used Us Like Toilet Paper, We Didn't Learn
Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif sharply criticized the US in parliament, stating Washington exploited Pakistan "like toilet paper" for its strategic interests in Afghanistan. He blamed past military dictators for these "grave mistakes" that led to long-term instability and terrorism in Pakistan, emphasizing the country failed to learn from history.
Key Highlights
- Khawaja Asif stated US used Pakistan "like toilet paper" for its Afghan wars.
- He blamed past military dictators for costly strategic alliances with US.
- Asif asserted Pakistan's involvement in Afghan wars was not for Islam or Jihad.
- Minister linked current terrorism in Pakistan to these historical foreign policy errors.
- He highlighted Pakistan's failure to learn from its transactional relationships.
- Asif's remarks came during a parliamentary debate on terrorism in Pakistan.
Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif delivered a scathing critique of his country's historical alliance with the United States, explicitly stating that Washington exploited Pakistan "like toilet paper" for its strategic interests in the Afghan wars, only to discard it afterward. Speaking in the National Assembly during a debate on terrorism, Asif articulated a stark assessment of Pakistan's foreign policy blunders, particularly its involvement in two major conflicts on Afghan soil.
Asif unequivocally stated that Pakistan's participation in these wars – referring to the Soviet-Afghan war in the 1980s and the US-led 'War on Terror' post-9/11 – was not driven by religious duty or 'Jihad' but by the pursuit of support from a superpower. He accused former military rulers, specifically General Zia-ul-Haq and General Pervez Musharraf, of entangling Pakistan in these external conflicts, leading to profound and lasting damage to the nation. He described these decisions as "grave mistakes" and "irreversible blunders" that reduced Pakistan to a mere pawn in conflicts primarily serving the interests of others.
The Defence Minister highlighted that the severe terrorism plaguing Pakistan today is a direct "blowback" of these past miscalculations. He argued that when the US eventually withdrew from Afghanistan, Pakistan was left to grapple with the devastating aftermath, including widespread violence, radicalization, and significant economic strain. This candid admission underscores a deep-seated frustration within Pakistan regarding its historical role as a frontline state in geopolitical conflicts, often at a substantial domestic cost.
Furthermore, Asif revealed that Pakistan's education system was deliberately altered during these periods to legitimize its involvement in the Afghan wars, and many of these ideological shifts remain embedded in society today. He lamented Pakistan's persistent failure to learn from history, continuing to oscillate between global powers like Washington, Moscow, and London in pursuit of short-term gains, rather than focusing on long-term national interests.
The remarks by Khawaja Asif have been widely reported by major Indian news outlets, including the Times of India, NDTV, India Today, Firstpost, NewsX, Times Now, DT Next, The Tribune, Amar Ujala, and AP7AM, all corroborating the core claims and the strong language used. This widespread coverage attests to the significance and accuracy of the reported statements. The statements came amidst ongoing debates on national security and counter-terrorism efforts in Pakistan, following recent deadly attacks. His admissions also contradict, to some extent, the current government's reported efforts to improve ties with the US, highlighting internal divisions on foreign policy approaches.
Asif's statement serves as a stark reminder of the complex and often contentious history of US-Pakistan relations, characterized by periods of strategic alignment followed by perceived abandonment. For an Indian audience, these remarks offer critical insight into Pakistan's self-perception of its geopolitical standing and its internal struggles with the consequences of its past foreign policy choices, particularly in a region deeply affected by the Afghanistan conflicts. The minister's strong words reflect a sentiment of betrayal and a recognition of the heavy price Pakistan has paid.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly did Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif say about the US?
Khawaja Asif stated in Pakistan's National Assembly that the US used Pakistan "like toilet paper" for its strategic interests in Afghanistan and then discarded it.
What historical events was Khawaja Asif referring to in his speech?
He referred to Pakistan's involvement in two major conflicts on Afghan soil: the Soviet-Afghan war in the 1980s and the US-led 'War on Terror' following the 9/11 attacks.
What was Asif's main criticism of Pakistan's past foreign policy decisions?
Asif criticized past military dictators for aligning Pakistan with the US in wars that were not its own, arguing these alliances were not for Islam or Jihad and led to long-term issues like terrorism and instability as the US eventually abandoned Pakistan.
What are the implications of these remarks for US-Pakistan relations?
Asif's candid and strong remarks highlight deep-seated grievances within Pakistan regarding its relationship with the US, reflecting a perception of betrayal and exploitation. While Pakistan's current government is reportedly trying to improve ties with the US, Asif's statements underscore internal dissent and critical introspection of past policies.
How does Khawaja Asif connect past foreign policy to current terrorism in Pakistan?
He explicitly stated that the terrorism Pakistan faces today is a "blowback" of the "mistakes committed by dictators in the past" by involving the country in foreign wars and altering the education system to legitimize them.