PMLN leader, Shahbaz Sharif, has been facing backlash on social media for calling the nation, ‘beggar’ on live television.
He passed these remarks during an interview with anchorperson Shahzad Iqbal on Geo News. The anchorperson had asked him how he will ensure equal relations with America if he becomes the next prime minister. Shahbaz Sharif, in a much-shocking statement, said: “Beggars can’t be choosers, please understand this.”
His blatant statements have stirred intense reactions on social media where social media users and the public are voicing their anger against Shahbaz Sharif for calling Pakistan and the nation, beggars. Netizens have been contrasting the recent statements of PM Imran Khan and the possible incoming premier of the country.
In his several speeches in the past few days, PM Imran Khan says he vouches and strives for an independent foreign policy for Pakistan and that he will not be surrendering to the whims and demands of the USA or any other western countries. The sitting premier said he wants to make Pakistan an independent country that takes decisions according to the best interests of the nation.
شہزاد اقبال کا امریکہ سے تعلقات پر سوال اور شہباز شریف کا جواب
ہم بھکاری ہیں اس لیے ہم انتخاب نہیں کرسکتے ـ
شہزاد اقبال کا ردعمل.دیکھنے والا ہے pic.twitter.com/enhzzdDPvp— 𝑭𝒂𝒓𝒉𝒂𝒏 𝑴𝒊𝒏𝒉𝒂𝒋 (@iamfarhansindh) April 1, 2022
Read more: Pakistan PM Khan lodge diplomatic protest on US interference
PM Imran Khan condemned the alleged pressure built by the USA on Pakistan as the country steers to revamp its relations with Russia. He said that Pakistan is not a ‘slave’ of any country. Adding that being a sovereign state Pakistan has the right to pursue an independent foreign policy. PM Imran Khan said that the USA threatening Pakistan is tantamount to interfering in the matters of Pakistan is ‘undiplomatic’.
https://twitter.com/JunaidSalem/status/1509562761570832400?s=20&t=KlEpAAELz0pCZ3SABel7ZA
Two contrasting statements in one screenshot. PM to be candidate, Shehbaz Sharif “Beggars can’t be Choosers” & current PM @Imrankhanpti “I won’t bow my nation’s head in front of others”. Dear Pakistanis the choice is yours now pic.twitter.com/eDwv28UkwW
— Ihtisham Ul Haq (@iihtishamm) April 1, 2022
Meanwhile, PMLN leadership has been quite vocal in defending the USA and perhaps building a narrative to legitimize the demands of the western countries on Pakistan.
Earlier, social media users have criticized Khwaja Asif for categorically defending the USA. Currently, the news of the USA allegedly being behind a conspiracy against Pakistan has taken over national politics by storm.
Read more: PM favors early elections?
However, the PML-N has argued that the economy of Pakistan cannot survive without the USA. The statements of Khwaja Asif have been circulating on social media.
PML-N leader Khawaja Asif made the statements after PM Khan’s Thursday address. Flanked by Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Ahsan Iqbal, and Khawaja Saad Rafique, the PML-N leader suggested Pakistan’s economy will suffer if PM Khan continues to make allegations against the US.