US should detain and prosecute Netanyahu, Türkiye could do the same: Pakistani defence minister makes strong statement

Islamabad (The Uttam Hindu): Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has triggered an international controversy with his remarks about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In a televised interview, Asif called on the United States and Türkiye to detain Netanyahu and put him on trial over Israel’s military actions in Gaza, a statement widely seen as breaching diplomatic norms.

Speaking to senior journalist Hamid Mir on Geo News, Khawaja Asif held Netanyahu responsible for crimes against humanity and referred to an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court. He claimed that Netanyahu is among the world’s most wanted figures and said that if the United States truly supports human rights, it should take action against him.

Asif compared the situation to actions taken by the US against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, saying similar strict measures should be applied in Netanyahu’s case. When asked about Türkiye’s role, he said Türkiye could also detain Netanyahu, adding that people in Pakistan are praying for such an outcome.

The interview became more sensitive when Asif questioned countries that continue to support Netanyahu. Although he did not name any country or leader, his remarks were widely interpreted as being directed at the United States. When he suggested that the law should also apply to Netanyahu’s supporters, Hamid Mir interrupted him.

Mir warned that such statements from a defence minister could be misinterpreted and might be linked to US President Donald Trump. He then announced a commercial break. After the break, Geo News clarified that Khawaja Asif would no longer be part of the show, a move seen as an attempt by the Pakistani establishment to contain the situation.

The controversy has emerged at a time when Pakistan is trying to balance and improve its relations with the United States. Amid tensions following ‘Operation Sindoor’ with India, Pakistan has adopted a cautious foreign policy approach. In recent days, Pakistan has publicly praised Donald Trump and even supported the idea of nominating him for the Nobel Peace Prize. Pakistan does not recognise Israel and has consistently opposed Israeli military operations in Gaza.