Pakistan Government Faces Backlash Over Inclusion of Pro-Israel Activist in US Delegation

 

Islamabad, Sept 28:

The Pakistan government is facing sharp criticism after a woman known for her pro-Israel stance and past criticism of Pakistan’s foreign policy regarding Israel was seen accompanying the official delegation, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, on the recent US tour.

 

Observers and critics argue that this exposes a deep contradiction in Islamabad’s policy, where on one hand the government strongly advocates for the Palestinian cause and demands justice for Palestinians, while on the other, a known pro-Israel activist was included in such a high-profile delegation.

 

 

A number of senior retired army officials have condemned the move, calling it “shameful” and a “betrayal of the Palestinian cause.” They questioned how a government that publicly denounces Israel could allow such an individual to be part of the official tour.

 

 

 

“This is extremely unfortunate. The present government should be ashamed of its hypocrisy. They must answer this question,” said one retired general.

Leading journalists have also reacted strongly. Senior journalist Imran Riaz Khan alleged that the woman who sat behind Defence Minister Khawaja Asif during the visit is a supporter of Pakistan–Israel relations. He further claimed that such participation is not possible without Foreign Ministry clearance.

 

 

 

 

A senior politician also weighed in, saying: “The United States very well knows who actually holds power in Pakistan and who makes the decisions. There is no real democracy in Pakistan. It is the Army Chief who meets foreign leaders, while the Prime Minister is merely kept alongside for formality.”

 

 

 

 

“This government can do anything to get money—whether by selling its own people or putting its own Prime Minister behind bars,” another journalist remarked.

 

 

 

 

 

The controversy has sparked a fresh debate over Pakistan’s double standards, with critics arguing that Islamabad’s stated policy on Palestine appears compromised by its behind-the-scenes dealings. The government has yet to officially respond to the criticism.