Pakistan defence minister Khawaja Asif thrown off TV show after calling for Netanyahu’s ‘abduction’ by US, Turkey

Islamabad: Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif triggered a major diplomatic and media storm after he openly called for the “abduction” of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu by the United States or Turkey, following which he was abruptly removed from a live television programme.

The incident occurred during an interview with senior journalist Hamid Mir on Pakistan’s Geo News channel, where Asif was speaking about Israel’s military actions in Gaza. As the minister’s remarks escalated into calls for extraordinary action against the Israeli leader, the anchor intervened, cut him off mid-sentence and later announced that Asif would not be returning to the show after a commercial break.

During the interview, Khawaja Asif referred to Netanyahu as “the biggest criminal against humanity” and argued that countries supporting him should also face punishment. As he began explicitly mentioning the United States and former President Donald Trump in this context, the anchor interrupted, signalling discomfort with the direction of the conversation.

Citing reports that the International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued an arrest warrant against Netanyahu, Asif said he hoped the US would act against the Israeli Prime Minister. “Netanyahu is the most wanted criminal. America should abduct him and present him before the court. If the US truly stands for humanity, it should do this,” Asif said during the broadcast.

When the anchor raised the possibility of Turkey taking such action, Asif went even further. “Turkey can abduct Netanyahu and bring him to Ankara, and we Pakistanis are praying for that,” he said. Intensifying his rhetoric, Asif claimed that no community in the last “four or five thousand years” had done to Palestinians what Israel has allegedly done under Netanyahu’s leadership. “He is the biggest criminal against humanity. The world has never seen a criminal of this scale,” he added.

At this point, the anchor abruptly called for a break. When the programme resumed, Hamid Mir informed viewers that Khawaja Asif would not be rejoining the show, a move widely seen as an attempt at damage control amid fears of international backlash.

Asif’s comments quickly drew attention across social media and diplomatic circles, with critics pointing out that such statements could further complicate Pakistan’s already delicate foreign relations. Analysts believe the decision to cut the minister off air reflects Islamabad’s sensitivity, particularly in the context of its recent efforts to recalibrate ties with Washington.

In recent months, Pakistan has been attempting to repair and strengthen its relationship with the United States, especially after heightened tensions with India during Operation Sindoor. Following that conflict, Pakistani leaders, including Khawaja Asif, have publicly praised Donald Trump on multiple occasions and even expressed support for his nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Political observers say Asif’s remarks on Geo News may have crossed an unofficial red line, forcing the channel to act swiftly to avoid further diplomatic embarrassment. The episode underscores the growing tension within Pakistan between hardline rhetoric on international issues and the practical need to maintain stable relations with key global powers.