US Embassy apology over Ahsan Iqbal retweet 'not enough'

The American Embassy in Pakistan on Wednesday apologised for retweeting a tweet of PML-N leader Ahsan Iqbal who had criticised US President Donald Trump and the rulers in Pakistan. However, Federal Minister Shireen Mazari rejected the apology, saying it was not good enough and warned that there would be consequences.

Earlier, the US Embassy in Islamabad generated a controversy after it retweeted a tweet posted by Ahsan Iqbal. Although the retweet was deleted soon after a strong reaction [by the PTI supporters], the damage had been done as the demand for an apology became the top trend on Twitter in Pakistan within no time, reported 24NewsHD on Wednesday.

It was Ahsan Iqbal’s tweet which started this episode in which he posted the image of an article published by the respected US daily The Washington Post, describing Prime Minister Imran Khan a demagogue and dictator in his caption.

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

“We have one in Pakistan too. He will be shown way out soon,” said the PML-N leader without naming Imran Khan in his comments on the article which carried the headline “Trump’s defeat is a blow for the world’s demagogues and dictators”.

The US Embassy at first retweeted this tweet before opting for deleting it. But the move could not escape the screenshots which enables the Twitter users to capture the image. 

In no time, the critics launched a trend #ApologiseUSembassy which is currently the top trend in the country. By the time this report was being filed, 8,938 tweets had so far been posted using this trend.

Later, in a tweet the US Embassy apologised while addressing its followers on Twitter. “The US Embassy Islamabad twitter account was accessed last night without authorisation. The US Embassy does not endorse the posting and retweeting of political messages. We apologise for any confusion that may have resulted from the unauthorized post,” the Embassy clarified.

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

Reacting to the US Embassy apology tweet, Federal Minister for Human Rights Shireen Mazari said the American apology was not good enough. “Account was clearly not hacked so someone who had access to it used it "without authorisation". Unacceptable that someone working in US Embassy pushing a particular pol party's agenda - has serious consequences including staff visas scrutiny.”

This not good enough esp after great delay! Account was clearly not hacked so someone who had access to it used it "without authorisation". Unacceptable that someone working in US Embassy pushing a particular pol party's agenda - has serious consequences incl staff visas scrutiny https://t.co/IWqYtRjVna

— Shireen Mazari (@ShireenMazari1) November 11, 2020

Earlier, a furious Sindh Governor Imran Ismail blasted the American Embassy saying “This is utterly absurd, how can US Embassy retweet against our prime minister containing derogatory remarks? This is against diplomatic protocols.”

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