Khawaja Asif: In a stunning parliamentary showdown, Pakistan’s defence minister has ignited a firestorm by publicly declaring that the United States of America has been treating the country like “toilet paper.”
The unfiltered, raw remark delivered amid heated debates in the Pakistan Parliament on foreign policy has resonated across the country’s political spectrum, possibly forcing a rare moment of national introspection. The statement by Asif has brought a question before millions of Pakistanis – is there a way out?
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Khawaja Asif-The Viral ‘Toilet Paper’ Bombshell
The controversy erupted during a fiery session in the Pakistan’s National Assembly on February 10 when Khawaja Asif, a veteran Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) leader, responded to queries by the opposition parties on the country’s strained ties with Washington. The comments of Asif drew thunderous applause from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lawmakers and even a few reluctant nods from his own party members.
Asif claimed that Pakistan was pushed to the war’s frontline after the September 11 attacks. The Pakistani defence minister also said that the country paid the price in this war that was not even its war in the first place and yet it was ultimately sidelined.
Recent triggers included muted response of the US government to the economic woes of Pakistan amid IMF bailouts, coupled with overtures to India via defence pacts like Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA) and growing military sales.
What Caused The Outburst?
The outburst of Khawaja Asif came weeks after a leaked US State Department cable dismissed Pakistan as a “transactional partner,” prioritizing India in the Indo-Pacific strategy.
In 2025, the $450 million F-16 package in 2025 of US came with strings attached – demands for action against Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The China CPEC deal valued at $62 billion has irked the Trump administration. Meanwhile, India is strengthening its ties with the European Union, UAE, Australia, Canada and the United States.
Khawaja Asif’s “toilet paper” zinger may be the wake-up call Pakistan needs.
