The United States Embassy in Islamabad has tendered an apology after its official Twitter handle retweeted a political tweet that portrayed Prime Minister Imran Khan as a dictator and demagogue.
Taking to Twitter, the US Embassy issued a clarification, claiming that its Twitter handle was accessed without authorization and it does not endorse any political remarks.
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Dear Followers: The U.S. Embassy Islamabad Twitter account was accessed last night without authorization. The U.S. Embassy does not endorse the posting or retweeting of political messages. We apologize for any confusion that may have resulted from the unauthorized post.
— U.S. Embassy Islamabad (@usembislamabad) November 11, 2020
It all started last night when PML-N lawmaker and MNA, Ahsan Iqbal, tweeted a screenshot of The Washington Post’s article titled “Trump’s defeat is a blow for the world’s demagogues and dictators,” and quoted that “We have one in Pakistan too. He will be shown way out soon. Insha Allah!”
We have one in Pakistan too. He will be shown way out soon. Insha Allah! pic.twitter.com/i1qOil7jvf
— Ahsan Iqbal (@betterpakistan) November 10, 2020
Soon after Ahsan Iqbal posted the tweet, the US Embassy shared it. The incident drew anger from politicians and netizens alike as they called the US Embassy for an apology and clarification over the incident.
Shireen Mazari, Minister for Human Rights, said that US Embassy is still working in Trumpian mode, suggesting it to refrain from intervening in Pakistan’s internal political matters and to uphold diplomatic norms.
US Embassy still working in Trumpian mode in support of convicted absconder & intervening brazenly in our internal politics! Monroe Doctrine also died centuries ago! US Embassy must observe norms of diplomacy – so if fake then clarify thru tweet; if not then apology tweet needed pic.twitter.com/YI66Ykqqli
— Shireen Mazari (@ShireenMazari1) November 11, 2020
Governor Sindh, Imran Ismail, questioned how the US Embassy Islamabad can share something containing disrespectful remarks about the Prime Minister?
This is utterly absurd, how can u @usembislamabad retweet against our PM @ImranKhanPTI containing derogatory remarks?This is against diplomatic protocols. An apology is needed with immediate clarification if fake or hacked. @ForeignOfficePk must take required action. pic.twitter.com/2BoVmrdVp8
— Imran Ismail (@ImranIsmailPTI) November 11, 2020
Dr. Arsalan Khalid, Prime Minister’s Focal Person on Digital Media, suggested the US Embassy to publicly rectify the mistake.
The strategic Twitter accs are very sensitive digital assets and any mistake from it should be rectified publically. @usembislamabad should immediately explain wht happened with their Twitter account last night as Pakistanis are not happy over their retweet which they undid later
— Dr Arslan Khalid (@arslankhalid_m) November 11, 2020
Azhar Mashwani, Chief Minister Punjab’s Focal Person on Digital Media, asked US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, is this how US Embassies under you will behave for the next 2 and half months?
. @SecPompeo your staff in @usembislamabad thinks that President @realDonaldTrump is a Dictator? This is how US Embassies under you will behave for next 2 and half months?#ApologiseUSembassy pic.twitter.com/fvAHDnpadz
— Azhar Mashwani (@MashwaniAzhar) November 11, 2020
Imran Ghazali, Head of PTI’s Digital Media Wing, termed the action of the US Embassy as embarrassing and disrespectful and demanded an immediate apology.
As a Pakistani citizen I demand that the @usembislamabad must apologize for the embarrassing and disrespectful retweet from their account. #ApologiseUSembassy
— Imran Ghazali | #DigitalStrategy (@ImranGhazaliPK) November 11, 2020
lol our dim witted PM got trolled! serves him right. Reaping what he sowed