Noreen Niazi, the sister of former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder Imran Khan, has come under widespread criticism after making controversial remarks about Pakistan’s military operation against India and the country’s alleged ties with Israel during a podcast.

In the interview, which has circulated widely on social media, Niazi claimed that the brief Pakistan-India conflict in May 2025 was part of a “secret plan” aimed at persuading Pakistan to recognise Israel.

When the podcast host described Operation Maarka-e-Haq as a moment of national pride, Niazi rejected the assertion, alleging that it was “a drama carried out in coordination with [Indian Prime Minister Narendra] Modi.”

She further claimed that India could have ended the conflict within “two minutes” but alleged that Israel had intervened. Despite the host pointing out that Pakistan’s military performance had received international recognition, Niazi maintained that Modi had stepped back from the conflict at Israel’s behest.

She also alleged that Pakistan was on the verge of recognising Israel before the Iran conflict began and attempted to link US President Donald Trump’s praise for Pakistan’s political and military leadership to what she described as efforts to secure such recognition. During the discussion, she also made allegations regarding meetings with Israeli personalities.

However, during the podcast, Niazi acknowledged that her claims were not based on verified information or evidence, saying they reflected her personal opinion.

The remarks triggered strong criticism on social media, with many users accusing her of promoting conspiracy theories and undermining Pakistan’s official narrative regarding the conflict.

Punjab Information Minister Uzma Bukhari also criticised Niazi’s comments, saying her remarks reflected the mindset of her brother and alleging that the family was unable to appreciate Pakistan’s achievements.

Bukhari said the international community had recognised Pakistan’s military success during Operation Maarka-e-Haq, adding that speaking in favour of Indian PM Modi was “shameful and condemnable.”

She said Pakistan’s Armed Forces and Air Force personnel had achieved historic successes during the operation and that the nation remained proud of their performance.

Social media users also condemned the remarks. One user, Waqar Satti, described the comments as an attack on national interests rather than political opposition, alleging they reinforced hostile propaganda.

Another user, Farhan Warraich, said even Indian television anchors had not used such language against Pakistan, while another social media user called on PTI leaders to publicly distance themselves from Niazi’s remarks.

Some commentators argued that the unsubstantiated claims could bolster narratives used by Indian media against Pakistan.

Niazi’s comments have continued to generate debate online, with criticism focusing on her allegations and her admission that they were based on personal views rather than verified evidence.