When Sharif called Trump

This refers to the article, ‘An ode to a terrific guy’ (Dec 3), by Babar Sattar. The writer has highlighted lack of maturity and diplomatic norms on the part of the prime minister’s media team. It is true that the PM is under tremendous pressure on account of the Panama Papers case but releasing a verbatim personal conversation has been in a bad taste. It is certainly a breach of diplomatic protocol and tradition and will do more harm than good.

In the absence of a foreign minister, Pakistan is heading towards global isolation. The US policy regarding relations with Pakistan is very clear. This release of the conservation between Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and US President-elect Donald Trump may ultimately prove to be another leak. The entire country should be well prepared to face odd situation after Jan 12 2017 when Trump is sworn in as the US president. Self-projection in any higher seat provides temporary gains but in long-run proves disastrous for the state, let us grow.

Mukhtar Ahmed

Karachi