Pakistan Defence Minister Slams US: Khawaja Asif’s Sharp Remarks Spark Diplomatic Debate
Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has triggered international attention after delivering a sharply worded statement in parliament criticizing the United States’ past strategic engagement with Islamabad. His remarks, in which he claimed Pakistan was “used and then discarded,” have once again highlighted the long-standing complexities in US-Pakistan relations.
Speaking during a parliamentary session, Asif referred to decades of cooperation between the two countries, particularly during the Cold War and the post-9/11 war on terror. He argued that Pakistan paid a heavy price—both economically and in terms of security—while aligning with US-led military and intelligence efforts in the region. According to him, once Washington’s strategic priorities shifted, Pakistan was left to manage the fallout alone.
The statement has fueled fresh debate within diplomatic circles. Analysts note that ties between Washington and Islamabad have experienced multiple ups and downs over the years. While the two countries have cooperated on counter-terrorism and regional stability, mistrust has frequently surfaced over issues such as Afghanistan policy, security funding, and geopolitical alignment.
US officials have not issued a direct response to the specific remarks but have previously emphasized that their partnership with Pakistan is based on mutual interests, including regional peace and counter-extremism efforts. In recent years, both sides have attempted to maintain pragmatic engagement despite political rhetoric.
Observers believe Asif’s comments may resonate domestically, where criticism of US foreign policy has often been politically sensitive. At the same time, experts caution that such statements can influence diplomatic tone at a time when South Asia’s geopolitical environment remains fragile.
The episode underscores how historical alliances continue to shape present-day narratives. With shifting global power dynamics and evolving regional security challenges, US-Pakistan relations remain a delicate balancing act between cooperation and criticism.
