PM Imran's delegation to Turkey criticised for ‘lack of diplomatic etiquette’

Viral photo shows contrasting body language of representatives of the two countries

Twitterati on Saturday hit out at the apparent lack of diplomatic etiquette of the Pakistani delegation visiting Ankara, with an image of the shocking body language going viral.

Turks are sitting with proper diplomatic etiquette. Pak side unfortunately seems oblivious to diplomatic norms of how to sit in state meetings. pic.twitter.com/UvS6fnOZPO

— Salman Masood (@salmanmasood) January 4, 2019

The image showed members of the Turkish side sitting upright and attentive to the visiting dignitaries from Islamabad.

Money, status, position—nothing can teach you manners if you have no sense of the occasion. pic.twitter.com/qP4THy1MVO

— Syed Talat Hussain (@TalatHussain12) January 4, 2019

On the contrary, the Pakistani delegation could be seen with one member on his phone while two others slouching during the diplomatic exchange.

Upsetting to see Pak represented like this. Maybe there’s a good spin but I can’t see one. The Turks are sitting as per regular norms,and they’re a formal culture with serious traditions, from the Ottomans to Ataturk. What is our side trying to communicate ? Too much koolaid? pic.twitter.com/fmPv7beaaB

— SenatorSherryRehman (@sherryrehman) January 5, 2019

Twitter users were quick to highlight the occurrence, criticising the high level delegation for their manners.



The Pakistani delegation, headed by Prime Minister Imran Khan, is on a two-day visit to the country.

https://twitter.com/hidhussain/status/1081471529421025281

Earlier, on December 4, Premier Imran and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan addressed a joint press conference, the latter lauded the former's past cricketing supremacy.

Erdogan said that the transfer of Pak-Turk schools to the Turkiye Maarif Foundation (TMF) was a great example of strong relationship between the two countries. He thanked the people and the government of Pakistan for the promising gesture.