ISLAMABAD: In a weekly press briefing on Friday, Spokesman Mumtaz Zahra Baloch noted the Foreign Office’s displeasure with Zalmay Khalilzad’s social media counsel.
The spokesman focused on Zalmay Khalilzad’s support for Pakistan Tehree-e-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan and his “lectures” on the government’s actions towards the former premier.
President Arif Alvi asked Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in his letter, also uploaded on Twitter, to direct authorities to assist the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) in holding timely polls in Punjab and KP, while also emphasising human rights abuses. Khalilzad retweeted the tweet.
Khalilzad tweeted: “Pakistan’s civil and military leaders may contemplate their country’s tragic course. They should change direction for their people and their commitments.”
Moreover, The Foreign Office representative initially said, “This ministry made a statement a few days ago and the minister for information released one yesterday. No more.”
When advised last week, she responded, “Pakistan does not need lectures or unwanted counsel on how to handle current issues. We’ll emerge stronger from this crisis as a resilient nation.”
Afterward, The reporters kept asking until the spokeswoman looked uncomfortable.
“This statement fascinates me. The minister of information released a statement yesterday. So, why am I being asked over and again about a private Twitter comment? “remarked.
“Pakistan is certain that outside voices cannot impact its democratic polity and government. Pakistanis are smart enough to make political decisions without foreign help “she remarked.
Moreover, Baloch replied, “In what capacity?” “Ask him directly if it’s his opinion. He tweets. My claim stands. Minister for information has already commented yesterday”.
Transfer/ Postings
The spokesperson said most media reports about postings and transfers speculation, including reports that Pakistan’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia being recalled and a new ambassador being considered.
“I can only comment after verifying personnel transfer information. We cannot comment on personnel transfers.”
Afterward, She replied: “No personnel announcements yet. This ministry regularly posts and transfers. I don’t want to fuel media conjecture. I’ll only add that some of these ambassador Rathore reports are inaccurate and harsh. Ambassador Rathore has been a dedicated diplomat for Pakistan.”
Moreover, The FO spokeswoman not directly respond to a question about the foreign secretary’s recent travel to China, rumours that the $2 billion Chinese loan delayed, and whether there were any assurances about this financing.
“Pakistan and China collaborate on economic and financial concerns year-round. We are grateful to the Chinese government and people for their economic and financial support during these difficult times.”
“Pakistanis will remember this for a long time,” she added.
Moreover, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said Pakistan, an engaged member of SCO and routinely participated in all SCO activities and actively contributed to their outcomes.
“We will announce the precise meeting you have referred to closer to the date,” she replied.
She revealed that Pakistan’s defence attache at the Pakistan High Commission was barred from attending a SCO meeting, saying, “The SCO heard our complaints over last week’s regrettable event.
I cannot forecast future meetings, but yesterday a Pakistani team from the Joint Staff Headquarters attended the 16th meeting of the expert working group under the Council of the Ministers of Defense of SCO member states. A working-level delegation attended in person.”
