Khawaja Asif Calls for Muslim Unity Against Israel’s Aggression

In a powerful address to the National Assembly on Saturday, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif urged Muslim-majority nations to unite against what he described as growing Israeli aggression, warning that inaction could lead to devastating consequences for the entire Islamic world.

Speaking during a session chaired by Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, Asif stated that the conflict between Israel and Iran had escalated, with Israel targeting Iranian military installations and killing senior commanders. “Israel is not alone in this aggression. It has already struck Yemen, Iran, and Palestine,” he said. “If the Muslim world does not unite today, then everyone’s turn will come.”

The minister highlighted Pakistan’s deep cultural and historical ties with Iran, declaring, “We stand with Iran in every test. Their pain is our pain, their grief is our grief.”

He urged the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to convene an emergency session and formulate a unified stance. Asif criticised the Muslim world’s silence on the ongoing massacres in Palestine, contrasting it with the rising protests by non-Muslims in the West.

Reaffirming Pakistan’s policy of non-recognition of Israel, Asif noted that while some individuals of Pakistani origin had visited Israel in recent years, Pakistan has never established diplomatic ties with Tel Aviv.

He condemned Muslim states maintaining overt or covert relations with Israel. “These ties must be severed. Israel’s hands are stained with Muslim blood. We must not be shaking that hand.”

Turning to security, Asif praised Pakistan’s military for its response to India’s 2019 Balakot airstrikes. He also accused India of backing terrorist groups like the TTP and BLA, and labelled any local sympathisers as traitors to the nation.