Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent visit to France for the New Global Financing Pact Summit has stirred controversy after a photo, shared by his office, went viral on social media. The image captured a moment when Shehbaz Sharif arrived at Palais Brogniart for the summit and, due to the rain, a protocol officer held an umbrella for him.
In the photo, Shehbaz Sharif can be seen saying something to the woman officer before taking the umbrella away from her. He proceeded to walk ahead, leaving the woman standing in the rain. The incident has sparked a heated debate on social media, with some considering it a “good gesture” and others labeling it an “embarrassment.” Many have criticized the prime minister’s behavior as “impolite.”
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Paris was in response to President Emmanuel Macron’s invitation to attend the two-day summit. During his time in France, Shehbaz Sharif also had a meeting with the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Kristalina Georgieva, in an effort to secure a much-needed loan from the global lender, as reported by Radio Pakistan.
It is worth noting that Pakistan had signed a deal with the IMF in 2019, agreeing to fulfill certain conditions in exchange for a USD 6 billion loan. The meeting with Georgieva was seen as a last-ditch effort to seek additional financial support from the IMF.
The viral photo of Shehbaz Sharif allegedly snatching the umbrella from the woman officer has generated mixed reactions from the public. While some perceive it as a display of power or a symbolic gesture, others view it as disrespectful and discourteous. The incident has ignited a broader conversation about the conduct of public figures and their treatment of protocol officers.
As social media continues to buzz with discussions on the matter, the question of whether the prime minister’s actions were impolite or justified remains open to individual interpretation. The photo serves as a visual representation of the incident, inviting people to form their own opinions and contribute to the ongoing discourse.
Sources By Agencies
