Former US envoy for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad has once again stirred controversy in Pakistan with his remarks. This time around, Zalmay Khalilzad is facing intense backlash for his tweets against Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir.
Taking to Twitter, Zalmay Khalilzad reacted to COAS Asim Munir’s speech during the Army Chief’s recent visit to Sialkot Garrison, saying the entire speech was alarming.
In a series of tweets, Zalmay Khalilzad said he was concerned for Pakistan before, but now the Army chief’s tirade led him to believe that things are truly dire.
He further asserted that a country’s army is a critical institution that must be led by someone possessed of sobriety, calm responsibility, and political neutrality.
I was concerned for #Pakistan before, but a recent speech by the Army Chief has led me to believe that things are truly dire. His closed-door angry tirade to senior officers in Sialkot has been reliably shared with me. The entire speech was alarming but two points stand out:(1/6)
— Zalmay Khalilzad (@realZalmayMK) May 19, 2023
According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Army Chief had underscored that recently planned and orchestrated tragic incidents will never be allowed again at any cost. He reassured the ranks and files that all those responsible for bringing shame to the nation on Black Day of 9th May would certainly be brought to justice.
Read more: PTI & PML-N react to Zalmay Khalilzad’s tweets on Imran Khan
The country’s top general also called martyrs and their monuments a source of inspiration and pride for the rank and file of the Armed Forces, Law Enforcement Agencies, Government officials, and the people of Pakistan.
Zalmay Khalilzad faces backlash on social media
Former US envoy for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad is being heavily slammed on social media for his comments against COAS Asim Munir.
Netizens including members from Pakistan’s media fraternity and the ruling PML-N hit out at Zalmay Khalilzad for his statements against the Pakistan Army Chief. They questioned his sources for the claims he made in his tweets and also asked him to refrain from commenting on Pakistan’s internal matters.
Hi Zalmay, since you are babbling about who should lead our armed forces, isn’t it pertinent to ask about your expertise in that area? Does it come from the experience of cutting and running from Afghanistan you handed over to Taliban beasts through a shameless surrender?
How did… https://t.co/6vgnhtlPiE— Murtaza Solangi (@murtazasolangi) May 19, 2023
Mr Khalilzad nobody in Pakistan needs your input/advice especially after what you did to a smooth running country "Afghanistan" I mean destroy it, plz mind ur own business. https://t.co/yvFwBgakaf
— Syed Wiqas Shah ترمذی (@SyedWiqasAhmad1) May 19, 2023
جب امریکہ آپ کے مخالف ہو تو امریکہ کی انتظامیہ، سینیٹرز، زلمے خلیل زاد ایک محسوس بیانیہ کو آپ کے خلاف پروان چڑھاتے ہیں۔
جنرل عاصم منیر نے جب سے چین کا دورہ کیا اور پاکستان کا روسی تیل کا معاہدہ ہوا، تب سے امریکہ تلملا رہا ہے
ہم اپنے دلیر جرنیل کیساتھ کھڑے ہیں pic.twitter.com/kU15FjC9bA
— Dr Farhan K Virk (@FarhanKVirk) May 19, 2023
Zalmay Khalilzad asserts that he's privy to reports of confidential meetings involving Pakistan's army leadership. One must question why he seeks such intelligence and who would share this level of information with him. Is his role that of a diplomat or a CIA station chief? https://t.co/G3DRrg3pVO
— Zaigham Khan (@zaighamkhan) May 19, 2023
It is hard to say whether PTI is on payroll of Anti-Pakistan Zalmay Khalilzad or vice versa. The plot is to destabilize Pakistan. He’s spreading fake news about Pakistan’s COAS. It is apparent that PTI is being handled by international handlers & #May9 was well planned. https://t.co/oXvlVroMj3
— Syed Faraz Darvesh (@FarazDarvesh) May 19, 2023
What is 'The Man' Khalilzad really up to?
Has Imran offered him something he couldn't resist for pushing the PTI case in Washington?
His timeline suggests setback to PTI is his biggest worry, there is nothing else there for weeks.
What has the PTI offered him? https://t.co/klvcuN4Lhg
— Umair Jamal (@UmairJamal15) May 19, 2023
To,
Zalmay Khalilzad,
Shut up please and mind your own business !— Dr. Asif Kirmani (@KirmaniAsif) May 19, 2023
Zalmay Khalilzad @realZalmayMK a known Pakistan hater ,is the new defender of @ImranKhanPTI and fulminates against @PakArmyDept Has he become a friend of Pakistan OR @PTI Has moved closer to his agenda
JUST THINK ABOUT IT. !!!— Dr Mahar Liaquat Ali (@maharlali) May 19, 2023
Cannot believe you have ever been a diplomat. Your entire thread is based on fictitious concocted content generated for the purpose of negative propaganda. For someone of your stature it would’ve been better to comment on reliable quotable media news sources.
— Raza Haroon رضا ہارون (@mrazaharoon) May 19, 2023
Pertinent to mention that Pakistan’s Foreign Office has even warned Zalmay Khalilzad not to comment on Pakistan’s domestic issues. However, the former US envoy continues to double down on his commentary on the current political situation in Pakistan while often cautioning the Pakistan government.
Read more: US reacts to Zalmay Khalilzad’s statements about Pakistani politics