Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Friday distanced himself from the storm of criticism that erupted online  after Dr. Shama Junejo, who is alleged to be pro-Israel, was spotted sitting right behind him at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) earlier this week.

 

After Shama was spotted as part of Pakistan’s official delegation at the UN, critics unearthed her old tweets, claiming she had previously “run a campaign to recognise Israel.”

 

On July 11, 2023, Shama tweeted: “Absolutely. I have been advocating on 🤝 between 🇵🇰 and 🇮🇱 for years. That is why I am devastated to see them backing the wrong horse, Imran Khan [former premier]. As a staunch for Pakistan recognizing Israel, it pains me that the focus is being misguided towards IK [Imran Khan] instead of prioritizing the state of Pakistan.”

 

 

In another post, on January 11, 2023, she wrote, “I wish Pakistan could borrow this [National water carrier] technology from Israel. There is a reason I always advocate to recognize Israel (sic).”

 

 

Many social media users among politicians questioned the Government of Pakistan (GOP) for taking Shama to the UNSC in New York even as the Gaza genocide continues unabated. 

 

Asif, a strong proponent of a Palestinian state, took to X (formerly Twitter), clarifying that he delivered a speech at the UNSC on behalf of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who was busy, adding that it is and was in “the Foreign Office's Discretion to decide” who can sit behind him.

 

“I have had an emotional attachment and commitment for 60 years to the Palestine issue,” he wrote, recalling that he befriended Palestinian colleagues during his employment in the Abu Dhabi bank, and he is still in contact with them.

 

Referring to Shama, he said questions such as “Who is this woman? Why was she with our delegation? Why was she seated behind me?” can only be answered by the Foreign Office (FO). “It is not appropriate for me to respond on their behalf,” he clarified.

 

He concluded by saying that the history of his X account is proof that his “bond with Palestine is part of my faith”.