Asif's Blunt Metaphor and Immediate Context

Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif delivered a scathing critique in Parliament, stating that the United States has treated Pakistan "worse than toilet paper" throughout their seven-decade alliance. The metaphor captures the essence of a relationship where Pakistan offers itself strategically, only to be used and discarded once American objectives are met. Asif's remarks underscore a sense of betrayal and exploitation, pointing to repeated cycles where short-term gains for Pakistan—primarily military aid and economic support—come at immense long-term costs to society and stability.

Historical Cycles of Use and Abandonment

The pattern began post-1947 partition, with Pakistan eagerly seeking US partnership amid perceived threats from India, particularly over Kashmir. Early alliances like SEATO (1954) and CENTO (1955) provided military aid but primarily served US containment of communism. The 1950s U-2 spy flights from Badaber base near Peshawar yielded US intelligence but provoked Soviet threats. The 1979 Soviet invasion of Afghanistan elevated Pakistan's value under Zia-ul-Haq, channeling billions in aid to mujahideen via ISI, resulting in millions of refugees, arms proliferation, heroin networks, and madrassa radicalization spawning terrorism. Post-Soviet withdrawal, the US imposed sanctions via Pressler Amendment over Pakistan's nuclear program—previously overlooked. The post-9/11 era under Musharraf saw renewed intense cooperation, with Pakistan providing logistics, intelligence, and operations against al-Qaeda/Taliban, but facing blowback like TTP formation and attacks, including the 2014 Peshawar school massacre. The 2011 Abbottabad raid killing Osama bin Laden without Pakistani knowledge humiliated the military. The 2021 US Afghanistan withdrawal left Pakistan managing Taliban resurgence, refugees, and terrorism with minimal consultation.

Reactions and Broader Implications

Asif's statement resonates with public sentiment turned against US cooperation after repeated abandonments. Former officials like Shah Mahmood Qureshi criticized being left to handle fallout alone. Analysts note Pakistan's India obsession filtered alliances, accepting terms detrimental long-term. Contrast with India's autonomous US partnership via civil nuclear deal highlights divergent approaches. The "toilet paper" analogy symbolizes disposability, with Pakistan's desperation and greed enabling exploitation. Implications include eroded trust, self-inflicted instability, and questions on future alignments amid shifting geopolitics.

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