Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has defended his response to an artificial intelligence-generated image of Hollywood icon Marilyn Monroe after facing online criticism over his participation in a social media puzzle.
On Tuesday, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader reshared an AI-generated image of Monroe on X. The post challenged users to identify an item that would have been out of place in a scene from the 1950s.
Asif pointed out that Monroe was wearing a smartwatch in the image. The original post shared by the defence minister has since been deleted.
His response subsequently attracted criticism on social media, with users questioning the appropriateness of the post. Indian media outlets also reported on the minister’s online activity.
Speaking on Geo News’ programme Naya Pakistan on Friday, Asif was asked whether he personally managed his X account.
“Two hundred per cent I operate it myself,” he replied.
The defence minister said he maintained a personal life like any other individual, adding that there was nothing unusual or extraordinary about him.
“I am a normal human being; there is nothing special about me,” he said, emphasising that he did not pretend to be someone he was not.
Explaining his response to the AI-generated image, Asif said the puzzle asked users to identify an object that should not have appeared in a photograph supposedly depicting 1956.
He said the smartwatch was the obvious anachronism, which was why he had simply replied with the word “watch”.
“What is non-serious about this?” he asked.
Asif maintained that despite holding the office of defence minister, he continued to use his social media account for personal enjoyment.
He questioned whether his official position should require him to give up his individual identity, arguing that he remained the same person regardless of his government role.
The minister’s remarks came amid online debate over the use of social media by public officials and the expectations attached to their official positions.
