Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister has come out in support of Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan who was snubbed by the US on his maiden visit to the country as the head of the state.
He saved his country money it didn’t need to spend AND didn’t wear his ego on his sleeve like most “leaders” do. Remind me again why that’s a bad thing. This reflects badly on the American establishment rather than on @ImranKhanPTI IMO. https://t.co/A8drk4VlqM
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) July 21, 2019
Instead of flying a Pakistan International Airlines or the official aircraft, Khan flew commercial on Qatar Airways. On his arrival to the US, he was received by Pakistani officials and other low-key US officials. He even took a people-mover from the aircraft to the terminal.
Interestingly, Imran Khan was escorted out of the aircraft in a people mover instead of official vehicles. As per reports, Khan was not accorded the official welcome protocol when he reached America.
However, Khan’s humiliation seems to have affected former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah who sprung to his defence and said that this treatment of Khan reflects poorly on US. He even said how Khan flying commercial airline to reach the US saved money for his country which it didn’t need to spend. Abdullah also lauded Khan for not having an ego like ‘most “leaders”‘.
Neverending Pakistan flags,and the sound of the traditional dhol. Very proudly Pakistani crowds in DC welcoming PM Imran Khan. In the words of someone from the crowds “Tabdeeli DC Pohanch Chuki Hai”. It’s going to be a massive show of Pakistani strength tomorrow! #PMIKVisitingUS pic.twitter.com/OK1S3bXWeV
— PTI (@PTIofficial) July 20, 2019
But Omar Abdullah’s argument of ‘cost saving’ was quickly punctured when it was seen that Imran Khan travelled from the airport in a large cavalcade of cars. This means only one thing, the cars were not allowed to go inside the airport. The cars were already there at the airport, therefore no cost was saved by taking the bus from the plane to the terminal.
Twitterati were quick to point out to Abdullah it is less about personal ego but about diplomatic relations two countries share.
It’s not about ego or expenses, it’s about the value Pakistan is getting in world over. https://t.co/RPshJHhnlR
— ??Kishor K Mishra?? (@KisKumMis) July 21, 2019
Pappu Omar, perhaps Umrikis were also saving money & time of top govt officials ? https://t.co/A6RyFuL1nD
— iMac_too (@iMac_too) July 21, 2019
चोट वहां लगी, दर्द यहां हुआ। https://t.co/HxtapDXnnw
— Divya (@divya_16_) July 21, 2019
This is not the first time Khan has been humiliated. In October 2012, the cricketer-turned-politician who was on his way to the US via Toronto was asked to deboard where the authorities had interrogated him for an hour on his views on drones. Earlier this month, Pakistan had claimed that Khan has been invited to Russia for Eastern Economic Forum. However, Russia denied having invited him.
