Pakistan Defence Minister Khwaja Asif has faced backlash for a threatening gesture towards an Afghan woman journalist who questioned him about Pakistan's ties with the Taliban and their treatment of Afghan women. The incident occurred on the sidelines of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly in New York. The journalist had asked Asif about Pakistan's message to the Taliban regarding their policies towards Afghan women and why Pakistan did not challenge those policies from the beginning.
Asif interrupted the journalist and did not answer her question, instead pointing towards her attire and making a gesture that implied a threat of death. He said, "Don't go back like this over there. They will... otherwise they will..," taking his hand across his neck. This response was strongly condemned by social media users, who criticized the gesture as implying that the journalist could be killed if she returned to Afghanistan.
The incident has sparked a significant reaction, with many condemning Asif's behavior and the laughter of men beside him following his remarks. The journalist had asked a serious question about the Taliban's policies towards Afghan women and Pakistan's position on them. The gesture was seen as unprofessional and threatening.
Pakistan has recently carried out aerial and drone strikes at 10 locations across Afghanistan, according to Federal Information Minister Atauallah Tarar. The strikes were conducted in response to drones launched from Afghanistan a day earlier, and the targets were locations allegedly used for launching and storing the drones.
The Afghan government has warned Pakistan of "dire consequences" over its actions, terming the strikes as blatant aggression. Afghan government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said that four Afghan compatriots had been martyred in the strikes, and the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan strongly condemns these attacks.
There have been continuing cross-border hostilities between Pakistan and Afghanistan, with Pakistan resorting to military action, including aerial strikes. The situation remains tense, with both countries engaging in a war of words.
The international community has taken notice of the incident, with many calling for restraint and dialogue between the two countries. The incident has highlighted the complex and often fraught relationship between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Key points
- Pakistan Defence Minister Khwaja Asif's threatening gesture towards an Afghan journalist has sparked widespread condemnation.
- Pakistan has carried out aerial and drone strikes at 10 locations across Afghanistan in response to drone launches.
- The Afghan government has warned Pakistan of "dire consequences" over its actions, terming the strikes as blatant aggression.
