Pakistan’s Defence Minister Urges Turkey To Kidnap Israeli PM Netanyahu, Calls Him ‘Biggest Wanted Criminal’

Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif stirred global attention with his sharp comments against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In a recent television interview, Asif described Netanyahu as "the worst criminal of humanity" and called for him to face justice for alleged crimes committed against the people of Palestine.

Speaking on a Pakistani news channel, Asif said that the United States should take action and bring Netanyahu before an international court. He stated that if Washington truly considered itself a defender of human rights, it should "kidnap" Netanyahu and start legal proceedings against him. His comments have gone viral on social media, sparking heated debate both in Pakistan and abroad.

Asif's Remarks on Justice and Accountability

During the interview, Khawaja Asif repeatedly referred to the International Criminal Court's (ICC) arrest warrant issued against Netanyahu in 2024. The ICC had accused the Israeli Prime Minister of war crimes and crimes against humanity, including the use of starvation as a method of warfare and attacks on civilian populations during the Gaza conflict.

Asif said Netanyahu should be treated as the "most wanted criminal" in the world. He went on to suggest that if the US does not act, Turkey should intervene and ensure justice is served. Responding to a question from the interviewer about whether Turkey could take charge of such a move, he said, "Turkey should ensure justice for what Israel has done to the Palestinians."

The minister further added that Pakistanis would support and pray for such action if it led to justice for Palestinians. Asif's tone reflected deep frustration over the suffering in Gaza, as he urged Muslim nations to take a stronger stand against Israel's actions.

Reactions and Political Context

Khawaja Asif's comments came just days after reports of the US capturing Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and putting him on trial in New York. Referring to that, Asif remarked that if such an operation was possible against a sitting head of state, similar action could be taken against Netanyahu. His statement compared international treatment of different leaders and questioned what he described as "double standards" in global politics.

Pakistan has long been a vocal supporter of Palestine and has no diplomatic relations with Israel. Asif's remarks were in line with this policy but went further than usual diplomatic language, directly calling for the physical capture of the Israeli Prime Minister.

Meanwhile, Israel's Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, when asked about Pakistan's possible involvement in future peacekeeping efforts in Gaza, said that Israel would not support such participation. He noted that Israel preferred to work with countries it trusted and that had no links with terrorist organizations.

Broader Implications

Asif's comments reflect Pakistan's continued strong stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict. His call for Netanyahu's trial under international law shows growing anger among Muslim-majority nations over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. While the remarks may not lead to any immediate diplomatic action, they underscore the rising global demand for accountability in the conflict.

The episode once again highlights how international politics, religion, and human rights intersect in deeply emotional and divisive ways. For now, Khawaja Asif's bold words have added a new layer to the ongoing debate about justice and responsibility in the Middle East.