Pakistan Defence Minister Fumbles During UN Security Council Address on AI and Regional Tensions

Despite his verbal difficulties, Asif attempted to emphasize the potential threats AI poses in military applications.

New Delhi:

Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif stumbled repeatedly while addressing artificial intelligence and India-Pakistan tensions at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

During the AI Innovation Dialogue, chaired by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Asif's delivery became the focus rather than his message. Attendees noticed at least seven verbal missteps, including mispronunciations and disjointed phrasing.

He mistakenly said "breathtaking space" before correcting to "breathtaking pace." Other errors included pronouncing "risk" as "riks," and saying "developend" instead of "development." He had difficulty with complex terms like "instability" and "technological disparities," repeatedly self-corrected "first time" (initially saying "sirst time"), and faltered while discussing "six pillars," beginning with "six pip-pillars."

News agency ANI shared a compilation video highlighting these verbal errors.

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One Instagram user commented, "Operation Sindoor shook him."

Another wrote, "He can't even speak one sentence properly."

"Arre kehna kya chahte ho? [what are you trying to say?]" remarked another commenter.

Someone noted, "When speeches are made using AI, people like this would have no knowledge of what they are even stating, forget about its meaning or facts."

Despite these verbal challenges, Asif attempted to highlight AI's potential dangers in warfare. He warned that the technology reduces conflict thresholds, compresses decision-making timeframes, and limits diplomatic options. "In the absence of global normative standards and legal guardrails, the AI revolution risks reinforcing digital divides, entrenching new forms of dependency, and imperiling peace," he stated, stumbling over the word "risk."

The minister also mentioned recent India-Pakistan tensions, including India's Operation Sindoor in May, which was launched following a terrorist attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people. He referenced the use of autonomous loitering munitions, high-speed dual-capable cruise missiles, and drones during the conflict, cautioning about dangers from AI-driven military technology. Nevertheless, his inconsistent references to AI throughout his address drew criticism for lacking clarity.

The UNSC is currently dealing with several significant global challenges. A critical vote is pending regarding the delay of automatic "snapback" UN sanctions on Iran, though previous attempts to block this measure have failed. The council has also extended its Lebanon peacekeeping mission (UNIFIL) until 2026.

Additionally, the UNSC is addressing ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and South Sudan, while tensions remain high in Lebanon following an Israeli drone attack.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has renewed calls for Security Council reform, stating that the body must reflect today's world rather than that of 1945, and identifying India as a significant voice in the restructured council.