With the Middle East crisis deepening since after Israel’s deadly strikes on Iran and Tehran’s retaliatory action, Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has cautioned that the Muslim world could face dire consequences in absence of unity against aggressors.

 

“If the Muslim world does not unite and [every country] keeps on protecting its own interests, everyone’s turn will come,” he said while speaking during a session of the National Assembly (NA) on Saturday, referring to Israel’s crimes against Palestine, Yemen and Iran.

 

He said that most Muslim countries were “militarily vulnerable” and those who had sophisticated weapons and equipment “lacked the motivation to fight”.

 

Underscoring Islamabad’s longstanding ties with Tehran, the defence minister went on to express solidarity with the country as the Israeli operation continues to target Iranian commanders, nuclear scientists and defence infrastructure.

 

The minister also alleged that Israel was “not alone” and had been “provided all sorts of cover” to target Iran’s nuclear facilities. “But we will protect Iran’s interests at the international level in whatever way they need. Iranians are our brothers and neighbours… their sorrow and joy, their pain and happiness is ours.”

 

Asif also said that Israel was committing atrocities against Palestinians and was responsible for the destruction of Palestine. “Israel’s hands are stained with the blood of Palestinians… the way children have been martyred and oppressed in Palestine has not triggered a strong enough response from the Islamic world. It is the conscience of non-Muslims that is awakening, but not that of Muslims,” he added.

 

Asif also called for a meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Council (OIC) so that Muslim countries can “formulate a joint strategy to confront Israel’s illegitimate actions”. 

 

Separately, he went on to criticise incarcerated former prime minister (PM) Imran Khan and ex-army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa, accusing them of “undermining national dignity” by returning captured Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot Abhinandan Varthaman to India following the 2019 stand-off.

 

IAF’s Wing Commander Abhinandan was six years ago captured by Pakistan after his MiG 21 Bison aircraft was shot down by a Pakistan Air Force (PAF) jet. Then-premier Khan, after consulting with the military leadership, had decided to return him to India soon after.