VIDEO: Pakistani Minister’s Gesture At Woman Journalist Draws Heavy Criticism Online

New York: A video of Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York is doing the rounds on social media. In the video, an Afghan female journalist is seen questioning him on the policies of Taliban and the issue of Afghan women. While replying, Asif points towards the journalist's attire and then appears to make a gesture like caressing his neck. After this incident, he is being criticised on social media. 

What question did the female journalist ask Khwaja Asif?

According to the video that surfaced, the journalist asked Asif what Pakistan's message is now regarding Taliban and whether Pakistan will demand change in Taliban's policies towards Afghan women. He also questioned why the Taliban were considered Pakistan's friends when their policies on this issue were not challenged. 

What did Asif say in response to the question?

According to reports, Asif instead of giving a direct answer to the question, pointed towards the journalist's attire. He then said that he "doesn't go back like that" and made a gesture of stroking his neck. Some people standing around him can also be seen laughing in the video.

The video has not been independently verified by all reports, so the footage and the claims related to it should be seen in context. 

An Afghan woman asked #KhawajaAsif a legitimate question about Pakistan’s friendship with Taliban, and Taliban’s treatment of #AfghanWomen, and why #Pakistan did not challenge these policies from the beginning when the #Taliban were considered friends.
His response? Don’t go… pic.twitter.com/cJFVGCbhKB

— Aina Durkhanai آئینه درخانۍ (@khybereena) September 26, 2026

Why is there criticism on social media?

After the video surfaced, many social media users criticised Asif's gesture. Some users described it as a threat and claimed that the gesture of caressing the neck was a sign of harm to the journalist. However, Asif has not publicly explained any clear meaning of the gesture in this video. 

Why did tension increase between Pakistan and Afghanistan?

This dispute has come to light at a time when tension on the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan has increased. In recent days, there have been reports of military action and border incidents between the two countries. According to reports, Pakistan has carried out air and drone strikes at several places in Afghanistan, while the Afghan side has criticised these actions.

In such an environment, this conversation between Pakistan's Defence Minister and Afghan journalist during UNGA has become a topic of discussion on social media.