ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has strongly criticised the government of Israel, describing it as responsible for widespread violence in the region, including ongoing hostilities in Lebanon and previous conflicts in Gaza.
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In a statement shared on social media platform X, Khawaja Asif said that Israel is acting as a “source of suffering for humanity,” alleging that it has carried out severe military actions resulting in civilian casualties in Gaza and Lebanon. He linked the situation to broader regional instability, stating that innocent civilians have continued to bear the brunt of repeated cycles of violence.
پاکستان کے وزیر دفاع خواجہ آصف نے ایکس پر ایک بیان میں کہا: ’اسرائیل برائی ہے اور انسانیت کے لیے ایک لعنت ہے۔ جبکہ اسلام آباد میں امن مذاکرات جاری ہیں، لبنان میں نسل کشی ہو رہی ہے۔ معصوم شہریوں کو اسرائیل کے ہاتھوں قتل کیا جا رہا ہے— پہلے غزہ، پھر ایران اور اب لبنان—خونریزی جاری…
— Naya Pakistan (@Naya__Pakistan_) April 10, 2026
The minister made the remarks while indirect peace efforts and high-level diplomatic discussions between the United States and Iran are ongoing in Islamabad, where Pakistan is hosting negotiations aimed at reducing regional tensions.
Asif argued that the continuing conflict reflects a long-standing pattern of aggression in the region and said that the humanitarian situation remains deeply concerning. He also claimed that earlier conflicts involving Gaza and Iran had already caused significant civilian suffering, and that current developments in Lebanon represent a continuation of that crisis.
His statement used strongly worded language to condemn Israel’s policies, framing them as part of a broader regional conflict with severe humanitarian consequences. The remarks quickly drew attention due to their timing, coinciding with sensitive diplomatic efforts being held in Islamabad.
Pakistan has positioned itself as a facilitator in the ongoing dialogue process between Washington and Tehran, and officials have repeatedly emphasized the importance of maintaining a balanced diplomatic environment.
Observers note that such statements from senior officials add further complexity to an already fragile regional situation, where ceasefire understandings and competing political narratives continue to shape developments on the ground.
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The controversy highlights the diplomatic sensitivities surrounding the Middle East conflict and the challenges facing ongoing peace efforts.