In a recent speech in Parliament, Pakistan's Defense Minister Khawaja Asif openly criticized the United States for its past treatment of Pakistan, stating that the U.S. used the country for its own strategic interests and then discarded it as if it were 'worse than toilet paper.' He highlighted the heavy costs Pakistan incurred for its involvement in the U.S. wars, drawing attention to the Afghan conflict as a particularly damaging engagement that led to widespread destruction in Pakistan. Asif reiterated that Pakistan's choice to align with Washington post-1999 in hopes of garnering American support was disastrous for the nation.

Asif also rejected long-held official narratives that justified Pakistan's participation in Afghan wars as a means of protecting Islam. He admitted that sending Pakistani citizens to fight 'in the name of jihad' was a significant mistake, condemning the motivations behind these conflicts. His remarks challenge the ingrained beliefs in Pakistani society regarding the reasons behind their military involvement and raise questions about the narratives propagated over the years.

Furthermore, the defense minister discussed the changes made in educational curricula to legitimize participation in these wars, indicating a deep-seated issue of indoctrination within Pakistan's education system. His comments could have substantial implications for Pakistan's foreign policy and its relationship with the U.S., suggesting a shift towards a more critical stance regarding past alliances and engagements.