Pakistan Minister Calls On US, Turkey To 'Kidnap' Netanyahu; Anchor Abruptly Cuts Him Off

Last Updated:January 09, 2026, 21:45 IST

Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif called Netanyahu the "worst criminal of humanity" and called on the US to "kidnap" him like it did Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.

Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif. (IMAGE: REUTERS/FILE)

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, in a televised interview, called on the United States and Turkey to “kidnap" Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, describing him as the “worst criminal of humanity" over his actions in Gaza.

However, the anchor on the Geo News channel had to cut him short after Asif indirectly hinted that the United States should be “punished" for supporting Netanyahu. His remarks came after the US capture of Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro, and he called on Washington to do the same with Netanyahu.

Speaking to TV anchor Hamid Mir, Asif said he hoped that the US should kidnap the Israeli PM, citing the arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) against Netanyahu. “Netanyahu is the most wanted criminal. America should abduct him and bring him to trial. If US is humanity’s friend, it will do it," he said.

When the anchor floated the idea of Turkey kidnapping Netanyahu and bringing him to Ankara, Asif said, “Turkey may abduct Netanyahu, and we Pakistanis are praying for it."

“No community has done what Israel has done to Palestinians in the last 4,000-5,000 years. He (Netanyahu) is the biggest criminal of humanity. The world has not seen a bigger criminal," he said

Anchor Abruptly Cuts Off Asif

A moment came during the interview when Asif, without taking names, suggested that those backing Netanyahu should be punished. “And the people who are supporting him, what does the law say about those supporting the guilty…," he remarked.

At this point, the anchor appeared to grasp the gravity of the remark and abruptly called for a break. “Khawaja sahab, I’ll put a break here because you are the defence minister of Pakistan … after hearing your words, many people will think you are talking about (US President Donald) Trump. I don’t know who you are talking about but I will take a break," he said.

The segment ended with the newscaster saying Asif would not remain on air after the break, according to The Jerusalem Post. The damage control attempt may have been driven as Pakistan is desperately trying to rebuild ties with the US in recent months.

Since the conflict with India during Operation Sindoor, Pakistan has repeatedly resorted to public flattery to woo Trump, even backing the US president for the Nobel Peace Prize. Pakistan has been cautious in navigating its ties with the US while balancing its relationship with China, while India and other countries are facing strained ties with Washington.

Pakistan has never recognised Israel and has staunchly opposed the country’s military operations in Gaza. Pakistan strongly supports an independent Palestinian state and remains one of the few Muslim states whose passports explicitly bar travel to Israel.

News world Pakistan Minister Calls On US, Turkey To 'Kidnap' Netanyahu; Anchor Abruptly Cuts Him Off

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