New Delhi – Former Pakistani ambassador to the United States Husain Haqqani delivered a scathing critique of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s excessive praise of US President Donald Trump on Monday, describing the Sharif Trump flattery as worthy of an Olympic gold medal. The sharp commentary, which quickly gained traction on social media, was notably reposted by Indian Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, highlighting the bipartisan concern over Pakistan’s diplomatic approach.
Haqqani’s Sharp Commentary on Sharif Trump Flattery
In a pointed post on social media platform X, Haqqani referenced Indian-American journalist Fareed Zakaria’s observation about the “Olympic sport of flattering Trump” when commenting on the ongoing Sharif Trump flattery. The former ambassador wrote, “Pakistan’s PM still in the lead for Gold in what Fareed Zakaria surmised might be the Olympic Sport of flattering Trump,” suggesting that Sharif’s praise of the US president has reached unprecedented levels.
The timing of Haqqani’s criticism coincided with yet another instance of Sharif Trump flattery, as the Pakistani Prime Minister posted effusive praise for the American president’s diplomatic efforts across multiple regions.
Latest Instance of Sharif Trump Flattery
The most recent example of Sharif Trump flattery came through a post on X where the Pakistani Prime Minister lauded Trump for what he described as an “instrumental role” in formalizing an agreement between Thailand and Cambodia to manage their border dispute. Sharif’s message extended far beyond this single diplomatic achievement.
“My deep appreciation to President Donald Trump for his instrumental role in advancing peace through the KL Accord, the Gaza Peace Plan, and his resolute efforts for peace and stability in the Middle East and South Asia – saving millions of lives across the globe,” Sharif wrote, demonstrating the extent of the Sharif Trump flattery that has become characteristic of his public statements.
Shashi Tharoor’s Endorsement of Criticism
The criticism of Sharif Trump flattery gained additional prominence when Indian Congress MP Shashi Tharoor reposted Haqqani’s commentary on his own social media account. This endorsement from a prominent Indian politician underscored how the Pakistani Prime Minister’s approach to US-Pakistan relations has drawn attention and raised eyebrows across South Asian political circles.
Tharoor’s decision to amplify Haqqani’s critique of Sharif Trump flattery suggests that observers across the political spectrum view the Pakistani PM’s approach as excessive and potentially counterproductive to Pakistan’s diplomatic standing.
Pattern of Excessive Praise
The recent post represents just the latest in a series of instances where Sharif Trump flattery has dominated headlines. In recent months, Shehbaz Sharif has repeatedly showered praise on Donald Trump on multiple occasions, raising questions about the strategic value of such an approach to international diplomacy.
Earlier this month, during the Peace Summit in Egypt, Sharif engaged in what many observers characterized as extreme Sharif Trump flattery by calling Trump “a man of peace” and revealing that Pakistan had nominated the US president for the Nobel Peace Prize. This announcement itself generated significant controversy and debate about Pakistan’s diplomatic strategy.
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Nobel Peace Prize Nomination Controversy
The Sharif Trump flattery reached new heights when the Pakistani Prime Minister disclosed Pakistan’s nomination of Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize. During his speech at the Egypt summit, Sharif referred to Trump as a “great president” and praised his “exemplary leadership,” further cementing his reputation for excessive praise of the American leader.
“I genuinely feel that he is the most genuine and most wonderful candidate for the Peace Prize because he has brought not only peace in South Asia, saved millions of people…” Sharif stated, exemplifying the continued pattern of Sharif Trump flattery that has drawn criticism from diplomatic observers.
Social Media Backlash
The persistent Sharif Trump flattery has not gone unnoticed by social media users, with several commentators criticizing the Pakistani Prime Minister’s approach. Following his speech at the Egypt Peace Summit, numerous users on social media platforms expressed disappointment and embarrassment, suggesting that Sharif had made a mockery of Pakistan through his attempts to flatter the US president.
Critics argued that the excessive Sharif Trump flattery undermines Pakistan’s diplomatic credibility and reduces the country’s stature on the international stage. The commentary suggested that such obsequious behavior fails to serve Pakistan’s national interests and instead portrays the nation as overly dependent on American approval.
Diplomatic Implications
The ongoing controversy surrounding Sharif Trump flattery raises important questions about Pakistan’s diplomatic strategy and its relationship with the United States. While maintaining positive relations with Washington remains crucial for Islamabad, critics argue that the level of praise directed at Trump crosses professional boundaries and may not yield the desired diplomatic benefits.
Haqqani, drawing on his extensive experience as Pakistan’s former ambassador to the United States, understands the delicate balance required in diplomatic relations. His criticism of Sharif Trump flattery reflects concerns that the current approach may actually damage Pakistan’s international standing rather than enhance it.
Conclusion
As the debate over Sharif Trump flattery continues, with endorsements from figures like Shashi Tharoor amplifying the criticism, questions remain about whether Pakistan’s Prime Minister will adjust his approach to diplomatic communication. The bipartisan nature of the criticism, spanning both Pakistani and Indian political observers, suggests that the concern transcends traditional regional rivalries and reflects genuine apprehension about diplomatic protocol and national dignity in international relations.
