Pakistan’s minister urges Muslim world to unite or risk being targeted by Israel

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has urged all Muslim countries to unite to confront Israel, warning that “if the Muslim world does not unite today, every country’s turn will come.”

Addressing a session of the National Assembly chaired by Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, Asif said that a war was currently under way between Iran and Israel. He said that last night, Israel attacked Iran, targeted its military installations, and martyred members of its military leadership. He stressed that Israel was not acting alone in this situation.

He said Iran is Pakistan’s neighbouring country with whom relations have existed for centuries. “We have a historic bond with Iran. In this time of trial, we stand with Iran in every possible way. We will protect Iranian interests. Iranians are our brothers — their pain and sorrow are shared. Israel is targeting Yemen, Iran, and Palestine. Unity in the Muslim world is essential. If the Muslim world remains divided and silent today, everyone will face the same fate.”

He called for the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to convene an emergency meeting and urged all Muslim nations to unite against Israel. “Children are being martyred in Palestine, yet Islamic countries remain silent. Around the world, strong voices are being raised against Israel. Even the non-Muslim public in the West is protesting against Israel. The consciences of non-Muslims are awakening — but not those of the Muslims.”

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Khawaja Asif said Pakistan has stood firm on its position since day one. “We have neither recognised Israel nor established ties with it. In recent years, a few people of Pakistani origin visited Israel — how they went and who facilitated them, I will not go into those details.”

He stressed that the unity of the Islamic world should be visible now. “Some Muslim countries have relations with Israel. These ties should be severed. Israel’s hands are stained with the blood of Muslims — such hands should be rejected. Muslim countries must formulate a strategy together to confront Israel.”

Asif added that when India attacked Pakistan, it had to pay a heavy price. “India’s rulers faced humiliation. India’s illusion was shattered before the world. It was the strength of our armed forces and the determination of our people that made it possible. We defeated an enemy five times bigger than us.”

The defence minister said the banned Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) are Indian agents. “The BLA is fighting India’s war. Anyone who sympathises with the BLA is a traitor to the country.”

Criticising PTI founder Imran Khan, he said “Making one person the centre of all politics is not patriotism — it is a cult of personality. Many great figures have come and gone in Pakistan’s history. The country must endure. Prepare new leadership so your party can survive. This is not a spiritual order where one person becomes the inheritor of a shrine. It has been one and a half years since the election, and the same old tune is being repeated. All the melodies are now off-key.”

On the budget, Khawaja Asif said, “The finance minister has presented an excellent budget. The people may not be feeling full relief yet — problems still exist — but we are coming out of them. In the coming months or years, the economy will improve.”

Pakistan Must Adopt Serious Strategy: Asad Qaiser

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Asad Qaiser also addressed the National Assembly session, condemning the Israeli attack on Iran and expressing solidarity with the Iranian people. He noted that the weapons used by India during its aggression against Pakistan were of Israeli origin, stressing that Pakistan must adopt a serious national strategy.

He said Pakistan should play its role in calling for an OIC session. “Khawaja Asif delivered his speech and left. He made veiled criticisms at us. During the Pulwama incident, the then prime minister gave India a clear response in Parliament.”

Asad Qaiser added, “The entire nation stands with our leader. You are a product of Form 47 (a reference to alleged election rigging). Farmers have been destroyed under this government. The current agenda doesn’t include farmers. Maryam Nawaz has distanced herself from their issues. The next elections will show how farmers respond.”

He continued, “According to the NFC Award, each province is entitled to a fixed share. You’re not giving us our share. Net hydel profit hasn’t been paid. During Eid, electricity was available for only two hours a day. Voltage remains extremely low, even though Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has a 91 per cent recovery rate. Yet, the federal PSDP allocates only Rs550 million for the province.”

The PTI leader also responded to Khawaja Asif’s remarks about tobacco. “We speak for tobacco growers, not the industry. The Tobacco Board has been rendered dysfunctional. The federal government has yet to set a price. I have no personal connection to tobacco — I am representing the people.”