Zalmay Khalilzad, the former U.S. envoy for Afghanistan, has sparked controversy and criticism for his tweets about Pakistan’s internal affairs.
In his recent tweet: “Now that #Pakistan Supreme Court has ordered Punjab elections on May 14, implementing it is a necessary first step to avoid a meltdown in the country.”
Syed Zabiullah Langari a twitter user tweeted: “For Pakistan you want democracy but in Afghanistan, you imposed clerical aggression. Why this double standards?”
Saleem Javed another twitter user replied: “He actually doesn’t want democracy for Pakistan either. His persistent support for Imran Khan is aimed at strengthening Taliban, as he did in Afghanistan by threatening political leaders into surrendering before Taliban in the name of national interests.”
Khalilzad’s continuous meddling inside Pakistan’s internal affairs seems like he is trying to impersonate him as a lobbyist who can maneuver things but its something more like a failed diplomat trying to get some attention for any future opportunity.
Khalilzad’s tweets were met with strong reactions from Pakistani and Afghan social media users, who accused him of interfering in Pakistan’s sovereignty and domestic politics and simultaneously his double standard for the people of Afghanistan.
Many Pakistani Twitter users also expressed their displeasure and resentment towards Khalilzad, calling him a “failed diplomat” and telling him to “mind his own business”. Some also questioned his credibility and motives, alleging that he was biased against Pakistan and had close ties with India.
Khalilzad has not responded to the backlash or deleted his tweets. He stepped down from his position as U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation on October 18, after serving for more than three years under both the Trump and Biden administrations.