Pakistan Minister deletes anti-Israel post amid diplomatic backlash
Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif deleted a controversial social media post that called Israel 'evil' and a 'curse for humanity,' including a prayer for those who created the state to 'burn in hell.' The post, made ahead of sensitive US-Iran peace talks in Islamabad, drew sharp condemnation from Israel and questioning of Pakistan's neutrality as a mediator. Israel's Prime Minister's office termed the remarks 'outrageous,' while the Foreign Minister labeled them 'blatant antisemitic blood libels.'
Key Highlights
- Pak minister Asif deleted controversial anti-Israel social media post.
- Post called Israel 'evil' and a 'curse for humanity,' with a hateful remark.
- Israel condemned the remarks as 'outrageous' and 'antisemitic.'
- The incident occurred ahead of crucial US-Iran peace talks hosted by Pakistan.
- The controversy has raised questions about Pakistan's role as a mediator.
- Asif's post also mentioned alleged genocide in Lebanon and attacks on Gaza.
Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif deleted a highly controversial social media post that contained inflammatory remarks against Israel, including calling it an 'evil and a curse for humanity' and a 'cancerous state.' He also expressed a wish for those who created the state on Palestinian land to 'burn in hell.' The post was made on X, formerly Twitter, on April 10, 2026, amidst ongoing and fragile peace talks between the United States and Iran, which Pakistan was set to host in Islamabad. Asif's remarks were triggered by Israel's continued military operations in Lebanon, which he alleged constituted 'genocide' and resulted in the killing of innocent civilians, drawing parallels to the situation in Gaza and Iran. The timing of the controversial post, occurring less than 50 hours before these high-stakes diplomatic discussions, intensified the backlash. Israel responded with swift and strong condemnation. The Prime Minister's Office of Israel described Asif's call for Israel's annihilation as 'outrageous' and stated that such remarks are 'not a statement that can be tolerated from any government, especially not from one that claims to be a neutral arbiter for peace.' Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar echoed these sentiments, labeling the comments as 'blatant antisemitic blood libels' and emphasizing that referring to Israel as 'cancerous' is tantamount to calling for its destruction. Sa'ar also stated that Israel would defend itself against those who vowed its destruction. The controversy has cast a shadow over Pakistan's role as a mediator in regional conflicts. Islamabad had been positioning itself as a venue for talks between the US and Iran, and its perceived neutrality was crucial for these diplomatic efforts. Critics, including US Congressman Josh Gottheimer, denounced Asif's rhetoric as 'vile' and 'hateful.' The situation was further complicated by differing views on the scope of the ceasefire, with Pakistan insisting it should include Lebanon, a condition Israel disputed. Some commentators questioned Pakistan's impartiality, suggesting it should not be permitted to mediate given such statements. The deletion of the post by Asif was seen as an attempt to de-escalate the situation following the strong international reaction. However, the incident highlighted the deep-seated tensions and the precarious nature of the peace efforts in the region, especially given Pakistan's lack of formal diplomatic recognition of Israel. The news was published on April 10, 2026.. The article's primary focus is on international relations and politics, specifically concerning the Middle East and South Asia. The events are specific to Pakistan and Israel, with implications for US-Iran relations, making it an international news story. The original source, Hindustan Times, is a reputable Indian news outlet, rated 8/10 for credibility. The event's significance lies in its potential impact on ongoing peace talks and Pakistan's diplomatic standing, warranting a high importance score of 7. The urgency is assessed as High due to the immediate impact on sensitive diplomatic negotiations. The news category includes International Relations and Politics, and the affected countries are Pakistan, Israel, the United States, Iran, and Lebanon. The story is not trending globally but is a significant current event within the scope of international diplomacy. The article is classified as news, and its estimated read time is 4 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Khawaja Asif?
Khawaja Asif is the Defence Minister of Pakistan.
What controversial statement did Khawaja Asif make?
Khawaja Asif posted on social media calling Israel 'evil,' a 'curse for humanity,' and a 'cancerous state,' and expressed a wish for its founders to 'burn in hell.'
Why did Israel react strongly to Asif's post?
Israel condemned the remarks as 'outrageous' and 'blatant antisemitic blood libels,' questioning Pakistan's neutrality as a mediator in regional peace talks, especially given the timing before US-Iran negotiations in Islamabad.
What was the context of Asif's remarks?
Asif's comments were made in response to Israel's military operations in Lebanon and were posted ahead of planned US-Iran peace talks in Islamabad, which Pakistan was set to host.
What happened after the controversy?
Following strong international condemnation, particularly from Israel, Khawaja Asif deleted his controversial social media post.