Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif described US-Pakistan relations as treating Pakistan "worse than toilet paper," emphasizing a historical pattern where the US uses Pakistan for strategic goals and discards it afterward. The metaphor highlights transactional alliances from the Cold War to Afghanistan wars, with Pakistan bearing costs like radicalization, refugees, and terrorism while gaining short-term aid. Asif's remarks reflect frustration over lack of reciprocity and Pakistan's desperation driven by India rivalry, perpetuating cycles of servitude in bilateral ties.

The Indian government has released only 41.2% of the budgeted funds for its 53 major schemes (each with Rs 500 crore or more allocation) in the first nine months of FY26, totaling just over Rs 2 lakh crore. This low spending, expected to remain under 75% by year-end, affects key programs like rural employment and water missions. The article highlights downward revisions and stark disparities in actual vs allocated expenditures.