Diplomats sending their families out ahead of PTI protest

ISLAMABAD: Guests at a diplomatic reception, hosted by Hungarian Ambassador Istvan Szabo to commemorate 60th anniversary of 1956 revolution and freedom fight, expressed their concerns over security situation in the federal capital in the wake of PTI announcement about lockdown of Islamabad on Nov 2.

The diplomats were more worried as they consider themselves more vulnerable than the locals. They were complaining that the administration has yet to respond their queries about their anxiety and upcoming security situation in the capital.

Some Arab and Western diplomats revealed that they were dispatching their families and surplus staff back to their countries next week due to fear of emerging situation.

The guests turned up at the reception in great numbers but presence of political leaders, especially from the major parties including the ruling Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N), PPP and PTI, was very thin. Even the PTI leaders known for their intimacy with the diplomats were marked absent.

Some guests drew parallels between Donald Trump and Imran Khan keeping in view the election campaign of Donald Trump and Imran Khan’s venturing. They were of the view that both are talking repulsive and claiming that they would not accept the outcome of the polls if they don’t win. The diplomats, however, gave credit to Imran Khan for ‘pioneering’ this style of politics.

Prime Minister’s National Security Advisor General Nasser Khan Janjua, Qaumi Watan Party (QWP) Chairman Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao, Mayor Islamabad Ansar Aziz Sheikh, former Interior Minister Malik Habib, Aziz Bulani and envoys of important countries were conspicuous with their presence.

Aftab Sherpao, whose party is an ally of the PTI in KP government, has not met the PTI chief for the last one year and had his reservations about the political onslaught of Mr Khan.

He praised the dealing and handling of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif of the political developments. General Janjua, who had telephonic conversation with his Indian counterpart on Oct 2 and since then they had no contact with each other, was satisfied with the security situation in the country. He revealed that it was Indian Prime Minister’s NSA Ajit Doval who made call to him on October 2. It was the only high-level contact between the two countries in the wake of recent tension.

The host ambassador, Istvan Szabo, in his brief address told the guests about the struggle of his country against subjugation of defunct Soviet Union and sacrifices rendered by the people of Hungary for their freedom.

He also spoke of close ties between Pakistan and his country and expressed the hope that the relationship of the two countries would further grow in the months and years to come. National anthems of the two countries were played before commencement of the reception where guests were entertained with European cousins. The ambiance of the reception was very soothing.