Pakistan-Israel Row Erupts Ahead Of U.S.-Iran Talks As Khawaja Asif’s ‘Evil’ Remark Sparks Fury

A fresh diplomatic clash has erupted ahead of crucial U.S.-Iran peace talks in Islamabad after Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif called Israel “evil” and a “curse for humanity” over its bombing of Lebanon. The remarks triggered sharp backlash from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, who questioned Pakistan’s neutrality and credibility as host of the talks. Following the uproar, Asif deleted the controversial post. The war of words has added fresh strain to an already volatile regional atmosphere, raising questions over whether Islamabad can maintain neutrality while hosting high-stakes diplomacy.