Khawaja Asif trolled over Marilyn Monroe AI puzzle on X
“Defence Minister Khawaja Asif became the subject of online jokes after quote-posting a viral image puzzle featuring Hollywood icon Marilyn Monroe wearing a modern smartwatch in a scene set in 1956. The…”
The minister’s brief response to the post has drawn attention across social media, with users questioning his interaction with what appears to be AI-generated engagement bait. The image, which shows Monroe against a backdrop of vintage cars, challenges viewers to identify the one detail that does not belong in 1956.
The apparent giveaway is a contemporary smartwatch on her wrist — a distinctly modern accessory in an otherwise retro setting. Asif responded to the post on X, formerly Twitter, with a short message: “Watch😊”. Watch😊https://t.co/nr8NIGCseZ— Khawaja M.
Asif (@KhawajaMAsif)October 13, 2026The seemingly innocuous interaction quickly became a talking point, as social media users poked fun at the defence minister for engaging with a puzzle that appears designed to attract clicks, comments and reposts.
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Ladies and gentlemen… I present to you the defence minister of Islamic republic of Pakistan— Hasan (@Hason818)October 13, 2026One user wrote, "Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you the defence minister of Islamic republic of Pakistan". Someone needs to take his phone away lol 😂— Abdo Dameen MSc (@Abdo.
Dameen)October 13, 2026Another user joked, Someone needs to take his phone away" and "Minister forgot to switch the account".@grok. As a Defense minister of atomic country (Pakistan) Is it okay to do this kind of post?— Shehzy khan (@Shahzad28269207)October 13, 2026Minister forgot to switch the account— Shib.
Web3 (@Shib. Web3)October 13, 2026Some went as far as to ask AI if it was appropriate for a Defense Minister to make such a post. The episode highlights a growing feature of online culture: AI-generated images that combine familiar faces, historical settings and deliberately misplaced details to encourage users to stop scrolling.
For public figures, however, even a brief online interaction can attract disproportionate scrutiny. A comment that might pass unnoticed on an ordinary user’s account can become a talking point when it comes from a senior government official.
Asif’s response was limited to a single word and an emoji, but the exchange prompted users to question why he had engaged with the post in the first place. The reaction also reflects a broader debate about the relationship between public office and personal social media habits.
Political figures use online platforms to communicate directly with audiences, express opinions and participate in conversations beyond formal government announcements. At the same time, their activity is often judged against the expectations associated with their positions.
In this case, the criticism centred less on the puzzle itself than on the minister’s decision to interact with it.
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