A massive diplomatic row has erupted on the eve of historic negotiations in Islamabad as Pakistan’s defense minister, Khawaja Asif, ignited international fury by labeling Israel a “cancerous state” and an “evil curse for humanity.” The inflammatory remarks have cast a dark shadow over Pakistan’s attempt to position itself as a neutral mediator in the escalating conflict between the United States and Iran.
The verbal firestorm comes just as delegations from Washington and Tehran are scheduled to meet in the Pakistani capital on Saturday, April 11, 2026, following a fragile two-week ceasefire agreement.
“Genocide in Lebanon”: Asif’s Scathing Allegations
Minister Khawaja Asif did not mince words when addressing the media, accusing Israel of expanding a “genocide” from Gaza into Lebanon. His comments were particularly sharp, targeting the historical foundations of the Jewish state.
“Israel is evil and a curse for humanity,” Asif stated. “While peace talks are underway in Islamabad, genocide is being committed in Lebanon. First Gaza, then Iran, and now Lebanon—the bloodletting continues unabated.”
He went further by wishing eternal damnation upon those who established the state, adding that it was created on Palestinian land to “get rid of European Jews.”
Israel Hits Back: “Outrageous and Tolerable”
The Israeli government responded swiftly, with officials expressing disbelief that such rhetoric could come from a nation currently hosting peace talks.
The Prime Minister’s Office: In an official post on X, the Israeli PM’s office described Asif’s call for Israel’s annihilation as “outrageous,” stating it is a sentiment that cannot be tolerated from any government—especially one claiming to be a “neutral arbiter.”
Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar: Sa’ar condemned the remarks as “blatant antisemitic blood libels.” He warned that Israel views these statements “very gravely” and reiterated that Israel will continue to defend itself against any entity vowing its destruction.
The Lebanon Crisis: A Contradictory Ceasefire
The war of words is playing out against a backdrop of devastating violence on the ground. Despite the US-Iran ceasefire, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been adamant that “there is no ceasefire in Lebanon.”
Recent Developments in the Conflict:
Civilian Casualties: A recent Israeli strike reportedly killed over 200 people and injured 1,150 in Lebanon, hitting residential and commercial areas during rush hour.
Shifting Stance: Only hours after vowing to strike Hezbollah with “full force,” Netanyahu’s office issued a secondary statement suggesting that talks are, in fact, underway with Lebanon to discuss disarmament and “peaceful relations.”
Lebanese Plea: Lebanon’s Prime Minister, Nawaf Salam, has called on global allies to intervene, accusing Israel of an “utter disregard for international law” while targeting densely populated neighborhoods in Beirut.
Islamabad Under Pressure
With the US-Iran talks set for Saturday, the pressure is on Islamabad to manage the fallout of Asif’s comments. While Pakistan remains the host for US Vice President J.D. Vance and Iranian representatives, Israel’s rejection of Pakistan as a fair mediator could complicate the broader regional effort to end the “bloodletting” across the Middle East.