Controversial Post Sparks Media Debate
RT India, a newly launched branch of Russia’s state-funded global media network, has removed a social media post regarding Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s engagement with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The post had suggested that the Pakistani premier was “waiting to meet” President Putin during the Peace and Trust Forum in Turkmenistan, a claim that later drew criticism and confusion.
RT India Issues Clarification
Late Friday night, RT India released a clarification admitting that its earlier post may not have accurately reflected the situation. The outlet stated that the content was deleted because it “may have been a misrepresentation of events,” stepping back from the narrative initially shared online.
According to reports carried by Indian media, the deleted post had claimed that Prime Minister Shehbaz waited for around 40 minutes before allegedly interrupting a meeting between President Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. These claims were widely circulated before being taken down.
Official Accounts Present a Different Picture
Contrary to the social media narrative, Russia’s RIA news agency reported that Prime Minister Shehbaz later joined the meeting between Presidents Putin and Erdogan, which continued behind closed doors. This account suggested a more formal and coordinated interaction rather than the dramatic version previously shared.
Pakistan’s Information Minister Ataullah Tarar also shared videos on X showing Prime Minister Shehbaz interacting with global leaders at the forum. He described the engagements as positive, stating that Pakistan was “shining on the global stage.” The footage showed the premier greeting President Putin in a cordial setting.
Diplomatic Engagements Highlighted
Prime Minister’s spokesperson for foreign media, Mosharraf Zaidi, echoed similar sentiments, calling the meetings productive and highlighting the warmth in Pakistan’s relations with key world leaders. The Russian Embassy in Pakistan further reinforced this narrative by reposting the video of the interaction.
Background of RT India
RT India is the latest expansion of Russia’s international media network and was formally launched last week by President Vladimir Putin during his visit to New Delhi. The incident has once again raised questions about responsible reporting and the impact of unverified claims on diplomatic narratives.
Published by Humdard News
