US Embassy in Islamabad’s post targeting Pak PM Imran Khan went viral

On Tuesday, the US consulate’s Twitter post went viral in no time, and it confronted extreme reaction from the allies of Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party. It triggered an uproar in the local Twitterati. On Wednesday, the consulate clarified regarding the retweet from its handle and stated it was unauthorized. 

Ahsan Iqbal, a leader of Pakistan’s opposition PML-N party, had remarked on a post by the Washington Post that stated: “Trump’s downfall is a blow to the globe’s demagogues and dictators.” Therefore, indirectly hinting towards Pakistan PM Imran Khan.

He added, “We have one in Pakistan as well. He will be shown the exit door soon Inshallah (God willing),” Iqbal tweeted, without straightforwardly referencing Khan. Afterward, the US Embassy retweeted the same which caused mayhem in local Twitteratis.

However, later the US Embassy in Islamabad expressed “Dear Followers: The US Embassy Islamabad Twitter account was used last night without approval. The US Embassy doesn’t support the posting or retweeting of political information. We apologize for any disarray that may have come about because of the unapproved post,” it said. 

That ought to have settled the issue yet on Wednesday, the human rights minister Shireen Mazari and Sindh lead representative Imran Ismael requested an apology from the US consulate office. 

This is insufficient esp after a postponement! the account was not hacked but who had the authority had utilized it “without approval”. Unsuitable that somebody working in the US Embassy pushing a specific pol party’s agenda – has genuine results incl staff visas inquiry.

human rights minister Shireen Mazari tweeted

Mazari has not just advocated that the US Embassy was lying that their Twitter account was hacked also that their staff member who had retweeted, she likewise warned that the move could block issuance of staff visas to embassy personnel. It was expected that this issue will raise in days to come. 

“US government office is as yet working in Trumpian mode on the side of indicted absconder and mediating audaciously in our internal legislative issues,” Mazari stated, alluding to the former PM and PML-N pioneer Nawaz Sharif. 

Special Assistant to the PM on Political Communication Shahbaz Gill also stated that this is the first time that a consulate is seen mocking its own legitimately chosen president. “We anticipate that a few heads should roll. This is intolerable!” he added.

Article Credit: The Hindustan Times/ The Outlook/ Dawn