Islamabad:  Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned social media campaigns targeting martyrs of Pakistan Army helicopter crash.

In a tweet, he said he was ‘horrified’ by campaigns that were ridiculing sacrifices made by six Army personnel who lost their lives in accident, amid relief efforts in Balochistan’s flood-hit areas. “Social media campaign belittling and ridiculing sacrifices of our martyrs was horrifying. This is what self-righteous political narratives do, they poison minds of youth and weaponise hate speech. Which way are we headed?” he wrote. “Moment calls for a deep reflection.”

Pakistan Muslim League-Q Chief Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain also issued a statement regarding hateful campaigns, saying Army has supported public in times of distress and any propaganda being spread against it is intolerable.“Pakistan Army has sacrificed a lot in eradicating terrorism from country and maintaining peace,” he said. He said that entire nation is deeply grieved and is standing with families of martyred, adding that politicians should set aside their motives and show full solidarity with Army. Statement comes amid an ongoing online smear campaign stoking speculations that helicopter crash was “orchestrated” through conspiracy by country’s security establishment. A day earlier, Inter-Service Public Relations also condemned negative propaganda, saying that it had hurt sentiments of families of martyrs.

     Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a telephonic conversation with Amir of State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani and exchanged views on issues of mutual interest.

Qatar and Pakistan enjoy close and cordial relations. Qatar is home to over 200,000 Pakistani diaspora that is playing a pivotal role in development of Qatar and Pakistan.

In another statement, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan has agreed to invest in the country in various sectors. “Grateful to my brother His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan for the investment that the UAE is going to make in various sectors of Pakistan,” tweeted PM Shehbaz Sharif.

Published in The Daily National Courier, August, 08 2022

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