Islamabad: Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has triggered sharp controversy after openly urging the United States and Turkey to abduct Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, claiming such an action would prove their commitment to humanity and justice.
Speaking during a televised interview on Thursday, Asif described Netanyahu as the “worst criminal of humanity”, accusing Israel of committing unprecedented atrocities against Palestinians in Gaza. Drawing a comparison with recent US actions against foreign leaders, he said Washington should act decisively if it truly believes in human rights.
Serious Discussion: Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Asif says that United States has opened the Pandora box for us, himself or Turkey to abduct Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu as he is the worst criminal of humanity today.😀🤣
Israel is watching 😎 pic.twitter.com/v52FhCWOgk
— Megh Updates 🚨™ (@MeghUpdates) January 9, 2026
Asif went a step further by naming Turkey as another country capable of taking action against the Israeli leader, adding that “Pakistanis are praying for it.”
“No community has done what Israel has done to Palestinians in the last 4,000–5,000 years,” he said, alleging that Netanyahu’s actions surpass all historical crimes against humanity.
The interview took a tense turn when Asif began alluding to accountability for countries backing Israel, a remark that prompted senior journalist Hamid Mir to abruptly cut to a commercial break. Mir later announced that the defence minister would not continue on the programme, citing the sensitive nature of the comments.
Pakistan has never recognised Israel and has consistently positioned itself as a vocal supporter of the Palestinian cause, aligning its regional stance closely with Iran and other opponents of Israeli policy.
Meanwhile, Israel has categorically rejected any Pakistani role in post-war arrangements in Gaza. In an interview with Indian media, Reuven Azar, Israel’s envoy to India, said Tel Aviv would not accept the Pakistan Army as part of any international force in Gaza, citing serious security concerns and alleged links between Pakistan-based militant groups and Hamas.
When asked directly whether Israel would allow Pakistani military involvement under any future stabilisation plan, Azar responded with an unequivocal “no”, underlining Israel’s firm opposition.
