Pakistan MP Zartaj Gul strongly criticised Defence Minister Khawaja Asif for his recent appearances in international media, describing his behaviour as “irresponsible”
"If you don't know English don't go on international media... don't mock yourself, don't mock your government", she said.
Her comments come after a widely circulated exchange in which a CNN anchor challenged and abruptly cut off Asif when he claimed Pakistan had proof of downing Indian fighter jets—an assertion the anchor pushed back on.
In a CNN interview following the airstrike, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif claimed that Pakistan had downed Indian fighter jets—but failed to provide concrete evidence when challenged.
"It's all over social media, on Indian social media, not just our social media. The debris of these jets fell into Kashmir," he claimed
CNN anchor Becky Anderson interrupted, saying, "I'm sorry, we didn't ask you here to talk about social media content. I'm asking specifically for the evidence, details. For example, was any Chinese equipment used to down these Rafale jets, as I understand you are alleging to be?"
When the CNN anchor pressed Asif for evidence or specific details about the alleged attack, he hesitated, paused momentarily, and responded, “I can’t hear you properly.”
Unable to specify the type of aircraft allegedly used by Pakistan, Asif dogded the question by suggesting the conflict could escalate into a full-blown war.
This is the second time in recent weeks that Khawaja Asif has sparked controversy with his remarks. During an April interview with Sky News, the Pakistan Defence Minister admitted that Pakistan had supported terrorist groups in the past.
"We have been doing this dirty work for the United States for about 3 decades... That was a mistake, and we suffered for that", he said, confirming longstanding accusations that Pakistan had sheltered terrorist organisations.
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