The Embassy of the United States of America in Islamabad landed in hot water on Tuesday after its social media team committed a diplomatic blunder by retweeting a statement criticizing the Pakistani government.
While commenting on an article by the Washington Post titled ‘Trump’s defeat is a blow for the world’s demagogues and dictators’, PML-N leader Ahsan Iqbal had taken a swipe at Prime Minister Imran Khan.
Iqbal took it to Twitter and wrote, “We have one (demagogue/dictator) in Pakistan too. He will be shown way out soon. Insha Allah!”
Within a short space of time, the US Embassy’s Twitter account retweeted Iqbal’s statement. It invited a furious reaction and widespread condemnation from both Pakistani citizens as well as political figures.
Turns out that the embassy later deleted the tweet. However, the Twittersphere was quick to capture screenshots. Soon after, hashtags like #ApologiseUSEmbassy began trending on Twitter.
Turns out that the embassy later deleted the tweet. However, the Twittersphere was quick to capture screenshots. Soon after, hashtags like #ApologiseUSEmbassy began trending on Twitter.
Criticism and condemnation poured in after the retweet as twitter handlers termed the US Embassy’s move a brazen act of interfering in Pakistan’s internal matters which is unacceptable.
Minister for Human Rights Shireen Mazari strongly condemned the statement.
While most people strongly censured the US embassy on Twitter, others appealed to the government to take action. In addition to this, they demanded the foreign mission to issue an official apology.
Here’s how the Twittersphere reacted
Sindh Governor Imran Ismail also condemned the absurdity
Head of PTI’s Digital Media Wing, Imran Ghazali also demanded an apology
Within no time, an outrage sparked. Pakistani social media users vehemently demanded an explanation from the US embassy over its action.
US embassy issues an apology
On Wednesday, the US Embassy in Islamabad issued an apology for retweeting derogatory remarks against PM Imran Khan. The apology statement comes a day after the controversial statement.
In a tweet, is said the US Embassy Islamabad Twitter account was accessed last night without authorization.
Apart from this, many social media users were of the view that Pakistan is a sovereign state and no one should be allowed to indulge in its internal matters. Earlier this year, two rockets almost hit the US Embassy in Baghdad’s green zone.
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