"Biggest Criminal of Humanity": Why Pakistan’s Defence Minister is Calling for Netanyahu’s Kidnapping

 Date: January 10, 2026 Topic: Geopolitics / South Asia / Middle East

In a statement that has sent shockwaves through diplomatic circles and social media alike, Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has publicly urged the United States to "kidnap" Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Calling Netanyahu the "biggest criminal of humanity," Asif drew a sharp and controversial parallel to recent global events, challenging Washington to apply its own standards of "justice" to the Israeli leader.

Here is a breakdown of the viral moment, the logic behind the demand, and the on-air drama that followed.

The Statement: "Kidnap Him Like Maduro"

The remarks were made during a televised interview that has since gone viral. Khawaja Asif did not mince words, arguing that if the United States truly stands for humanity and justice, it should apprehend Netanyahu immediately.

His specific request for "kidnapping" was not random. It was a direct reference to the recent US operation that led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro earlier this month. Asif’s argument was essentially a challenge of consistency: if the US can extract a sitting head of state (Maduro) over alleged crimes or policy disagreements, why not do the same for a leader accused of war crimes in Gaza?

"If the US believes in humanity, they should kidnap Netanyahu just like they did Maduro," Asif stated.

"Worst Criminal of Humanity"

Asif’s rhetoric escalated quickly. He described the Israeli Prime Minister as the "worst criminal of humanity," claiming that the atrocities committed against Palestinians in Gaza are unparalleled in history.

He went on to say, "No community has done what Israel has done to Palestinians in the last 4,000-5,000 years," firmly placing the blame on Netanyahu’s leadership.

Interestingly, Asif didn't just stop at the US. He also suggested that Turkey could carry out such an operation, adding that the people of Pakistan are "praying" for such an outcome.

The On-Air Interruption

The interview took a tense turn when the host, senior journalist Hamid Mir, intervened.

As Asif began to broaden his attack—seemingly about to criticize those who support such "criminals" (a veiled jab that could be interpreted as targeting the US leadership or President Trump)—Mir interrupted to call for a commercial break. Reports suggest that Mir warned the Minister on-air about the diplomatic implications of his words, and Asif reportedly did not return to the segment after the break.

The Geopolitical Context (2026)

To understand this outburst, one has to look at the current geopolitical landscape of early 2026:

1. The Precedent: The US extraction of Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro has set a controversial new precedent in international relations, which critics and rivals are now using to highlight perceived Western double standards.

2. Gaza Conflict: The humanitarian crisis in Gaza remains a boiling point for the Muslim world. Pakistan, which does not recognize Israel, has historically been a staunch supporter of the Palestinian cause, but this rhetoric marks a significant escalation from standard diplomatic condemnation.

3. Diplomatic Tightrope: While Pakistan criticizes Israel, it also tries to maintain a working relationship with the United States. Demanding that the US "kidnap" a key ally like Netanyahu puts Islamabad in a precarious diplomatic position.

The Bottom Line

While the likelihood of the US acting on Asif’s "advice" is nonexistent, the statement highlights the intense anger simmering in the Global South regarding the conflict in Gaza. By invoking the recent Maduro incident, Khawaja Asif has turned a specific US foreign policy victory into a rhetorical weapon, asking a question that is resonating with his base: If the rules apply to one leader, why don't they apply to all?

---

What are your thoughts on this diplomatic flare-up? Is this just political rhetoric, or does it signal a shift in how nations are viewing international law in 2026?