New York: Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has come under criticism after a video circulating on social media allegedly showed him making a throat-cutting gesture while responding to questions from an Afghan female journalist outside the United Nations General Assembly.
The journalist was reportedly questioning Asif about the Taliban’s treatment of Afghan women and Pakistan’s relationship with the Taliban. Instead of directly addressing her questions, Asif allegedly interrupted her and made a gesture with his hand across his neck, which several social media users interpreted as a possible threat to her life.
Journalist Questions Pakistan’s Taliban Policy
According to the video being circulated online, the Afghan journalist asked what message Pakistan had for the Taliban regarding its policies towards Afghan women. She also questioned why Islamabad had not opposed those policies when the Taliban was regarded as a friend of Pakistan.
Her questions focused on the position of Afghan women under Taliban rule and Pakistan’s role in the situation.
Controversial Gesture Draws Criticism
In the footage, Asif appears to interrupt the journalist before pointing towards her clothing. He is heard saying, “Don’t go back like this… there they…” before moving his hand towards his neck in a gesture resembling a throat-cutting motion.
Laughter from some people nearby can also reportedly be heard in the video.
The gesture has triggered strong reactions on social media, with critics claiming it could be interpreted as a warning about the danger the journalist might face if she returned to Afghanistan dressed in a similar manner. Asif, however, has not publicly provided a clear explanation of the gesture’s intended meaning.
Incident Fuels Debate Amid Pakistan-Afghanistan Tensions
The episode has prompted questions over why the journalist was not given a direct response to concerns about the Taliban’s restrictions on women’s education, employment and participation in public life.
Critics have also questioned the reported laughter from people accompanying the Pakistani minister, arguing that the journalist had raised serious questions concerning the Taliban’s policies and Pakistan’s role.
The controversy comes amid continuing tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Pakistan reportedly carried out air and drone strikes on 10 locations in Afghanistan in the early hours of Thursday. Pakistani Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said the strikes were in response to drone attacks launched towards Pakistan from Afghan territory.
