FM Qureshi dispels rumours about his health

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Thursday dispelled rumours about his health doing the rounds on social media, after his Wikipedia page was edited by some mischievous elements, who wrote that Qureshi had died.

The foreign minister, who is currently down with Covid-19 and recuperating at his home, said in a statement that “there was no truth” to the edited contents on Wikipedia page and that he was “doing well”.

“Many complications were created, and it caused distress to my loved ones and family members,” he said, adding that he also started receiving phone calls. “There is no truth to these reports, and I am doing well,” he added.

The statement did not specify what changes were made but, according to a private TV channel, the page’s history showed that the edits were made on July 5 to reflect that the foreign minister had ‘died’ on July 4.

Reports of his death were propagated by the Indian lobby on social media after it was discovered that his profile at Wikipedia had been edited. “I am fine by the Grace of Allah and recovering from Covid-19,” Qureshi said in the statement.

Foreign Office spokesperson Aisha Farooqui condemned the changes made to Qureshi’s profile. “We strongly condemn attempts by mischievous elements to hack [the] Wikipedia page of the foreign minister & spread rumours on social media about his health & well-being,” she said in a tweet.

“By the grace of Almighty Allah, [Qureshi] is recovering fast. Everyone’s prayers, from Pakistan & abroad, are deeply appreciated.”

Qureshi had tested positive for the coronavirus on July 3. In a tweet, he had said that he had quarantined himself after having a slight fever. However, he was reported to be continuing his official duties from his home.

Meanwhile, Malaysia's Foreign Minister Hishamuddin Hussain and a number of parliamentarians, including Adviser to the Prime Minister on Parliamentary Affairs Dr Babar Awan, PML-N Central Information Secretary Marriyum Aurangzeb, MNA Murtaza Mahmood, former MNA Syed Kazim Ali Shah and former national security advisor Mahmood Durrani, inquired after Qureshi's health and prayed for his speedy recovery.

The foreign minister thanked all the dignitaries, including the Malaysian foreign minister, for wishing him a speedy recovery.

WITH INPUT FROM NEWS DESK