Pakistan reacts to Shah Mehmood Qureshi’s pictures and videos at the Islamabad Airport
We all know about the promises made by our new government that lead us to picture the true image of the infamous ‘Naya Pakistan’. The public seem to be keeping a keen eye on every action taken by our leaders based on those very promises.
One of the statements put forth by the government was that they will refrain from using the VIP protocol. They also claimed that they will be boarding commercial flights to eradicate the difference between officials and the general public.
Eventually, a strict ban was imposed on VIP protocol given to officials at the airport.
Which is why Shah Mehmood Qureshi’s standing in queue with the general public yesterday became a big deal.
The Foreign Minister was photographed at the Islamabad airport waiting to board for a flight to Washington.
Soon after, videos and pictures started making rounds on social media.
Great Shah Sab#Equality
Shah Mahmood Qureshi in the queue with the public
Ready to Take Off America#PrimeMinisterImranKhan#PTIPakistan#PakistanZindabad pic.twitter.com/Pb8TUr6fel— Waqas Chaudhary (@WaqasChaudhry05) September 21, 2018
Pakistanis began chanting slogans of “equality” and lauding the gesture.
Excellent! Deserves respect!
Appreciated…— Syed Amir Hussain (@syedamirhuss) September 22, 2018
Others seemed intrigued by the looks of ‘Naya Pakistan’
End of VIP Protocol
Insha Allah everything will be right step by step
Hope for best 👍👍— Muhammad Bilal (@bilalAfridi103) September 22, 2018
Some pointed out that this was all a photo-op for Shah Mehmood Qureshi.
Ok we believe you're in line but we can see your attendant standing behind with your stuff which you could hold yourself!!
— Mariana Baabar Pashteen (@MarianaBaabar) September 22, 2018
This seems like a bit of a stretch, tbh…
Shah Mahmood Qureshi got the whole airport shut for 20 minutes so that his media team could film him standing in the queue to show he’s not using VIP route. 16 foreign office staff were on duty with him & 92 security personnel pic.twitter.com/21b5tbDhI9
— Sidrah Memon (@SidrahMemon1) September 23, 2018
Shah Mehmood Qureshi to pose for the pictures with serious matters at hand was one point that was also raised.
It’s silly for him to stand in the line and fool the public. Same time he should be sitting in he lounge browsing ideas for Pakistan’s foreign policy
— Nabeel Chaudhry (@NabeelChaudhry_) September 22, 2018
Or more specifically, the “optics”
Focus on work not optics
— Sheraz (@sheraz117) September 22, 2018
Others were quick to note that he was merely “acting nice” since he knew he was being watched
He is Acting nice cuz he knows he is being watched! @SMQureshiPTI
— m_Ejaz (@misterejaz) September 22, 2018
There was also this guy who posted an interesting video of the Minister getting pictures taken with his fans:
Watch till the end
Foreign Minister of 🇵🇰Pakistan Shah Mahmood Qureshi stands in a queue with everyone at the airport. Do you see the Change? Patwario come and criticize. pic.twitter.com/QxQMMm9CR8— JB (@badnocs) September 22, 2018
Khair, whether it was a staged incident or just some casual candid shots, the reactions it has garnered are quite fascinating. It’s important to note that while these images and video paint something ‘fantastic’, it’s something the rest of us do every single day soOoOo…nothing crazy, is there? But it’s a good change to see.
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