Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif was involved in a brief exchange with an Afghan woman journalist outside the United Nations headquarters in New York, drawing attention on social media.
The journalist introduced herself as being from Pakistan’s neighbouring country, Afghanistan. During the interaction, Asif responded by saying, “You are not good neighbours.” The journalist then replied that she was not arguing with him.
According to the account circulating online, the journalist continued asking questions while Asif initially did not respond. He later addressed her questions during the interaction.
Speaking to media representatives separately, Asif also said that Afghanistan was not a priority for Pakistan at the moment.
The exchange comes amid ongoing discussions and tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Relations between the two neighbouring countries have faced disagreements over security, border issues and other matters in recent years.
The interaction outside the UN headquarters attracted attention after footage and reports of the exchange circulated on social media. The remarks have since prompted discussion about Pakistan-Afghanistan relations and the way officials respond to questions from journalists.
Asif was in New York as part of Pakistan’s diplomatic engagements around the United Nations General Assembly. His comments on Afghanistan added to the attention surrounding Pakistan’s current approach toward its western neighbour.
The exchange reflects the broader diplomatic sensitivities surrounding relations between Islamabad and Kabul, while the minister’s statement provides an indication of the issues Pakistan is currently prioritising in its foreign and security policy.
