New Delhi: Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has come under fire after a social media post urging the US to delay potential military action against Iran triggered controversy over its editing history.
The post, shared on X on Tuesday night, appealed to US President Donald Trump to extend the deadline for any military strike on Iran by two weeks to allow space for dialogue. However, the edit history of the post reportedly showed the label “Draft – Pakistani PM’s message,” prompting speculation online.
Several users questioned whether the message had been pre-prepared, with some alleging it appeared to be written under directions from the White House. Others went further, claiming the post reflected undue US influence over Pakistan’s policy, with critics accusing Sharif of aligning too closely with Washington.
Amid the backlash, Pakistan maintained that it is attempting to play a constructive diplomatic role between the US and Iran, positioning itself as a mediator.
In his message, Sharif also urged Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz for two weeks as a goodwill gesture. He called on all parties involved in the conflict to observe a two-week pause in hostilities to enable dialogue and work towards lasting peace and stability in the region.
The controversy has added a political dimension to Pakistan’s diplomatic outreach at a time of heightened tensions in the Middle East.
