New Delhi: Pakistani news media had a field day when US President Donald Trump declared that US and Pakistan have good relations at the ‘Namaste Trump’ event at Motera Stadium in Ahmedabad Monday. They didn’t pay much attention to his other remarks regarding curbs on terrorism.
Pakistani news channel 24 News colourfully said, “Trump ne sach kya bola, Bharatiyon ko saanp hi soongh gaya (Indians could not digest what Donald Trump said).”
The news channel, along with others, was at pains to underscore that Trump declared on Indian territory that US and Pakistan have a strong bond.
Geo News highlighted the fact that Pakistan and US have a strong bond and were together fighting the threat of terrorism and extremism in the region.
Samaa TV took it a notch further and said, “Bharat mein Pakistan ki tareef (Pakistan praised on Indian territory),” highlighting Trump’s statement on the close equation both US and Pakistan share.
The news channel added that the Trump administration was working towards improving the already close relationship with Pakistan and wanted to maintain it. It also added that the US President was willing to take steps to ensure a peaceful South Asia where there is no violence or the threat of terrorism and there is mutual respect between countries.
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Pakistani newspapers
Dawn: In its editorial, Dawn explained how Narendra Modi and Donald Trump are alike as they have managed to reach the top of their respective systems through “a blend of right-wing populism and maverick ideas”. Both, it said, have pushed majoritarian ideas at the expense of the minorities.
The editorial shed light on the ‘India Shining’ image Modi tried painting for Trump, from building walls to rounding up monkeys. Dawn said, “If Mr Trump really wishes to see stability in the subcontinent, he needs to tell his Indian friends that they must reduce their hostile posture where Pakistan is concerned.” The daily also underscored that the current situation in Kashmir is “unacceptable”.
The Express Tribune: Here, the focus was on the lighter side of Trump’s visit to India. The publication had fun with how Modi pronounced “Donald Trump”. Through a series of memes, it said, “Stand up comedians in India should’ve listened to their parents and become doctors.”
The Nation: Pakistani Senator Rehman Malik wrote an article saying that “Trump’s visit reminds us of Modi as Butcher of Gujarat“. Malik said he wished the US President had visited Pakistan instead which has “sacrificed 70,000 lives for your war on terror”.
He also reminded Trump of when the US banned Modi’s entry to the country in 2005 under the International Religious Freedom Act provision of US Immigration and Nationality Act.
Malik asked Trump a question, “The treatment of USA to Pakistan is not acceptable by the people of Pakistan by any standards as when it comes to sacrifices of both life and properties but when it comes to giving out rewards then it is always India which is already declared favourite nation by USA. Pakistan has a question; Why Mr. President?”
Pakistan Today: Pakistan Today focussed on the fact that Trump stated that the US has “very good ties” with Pakistan. The newspaper also highlighted that the US President lauded Pakistan for its cooperation against terror outfits and militants and hoped for reduced tensions, greater stability and harmony between South Asian nations.
While noting down all the instances where Trump praised Pakistan, the publication also said that Trump announced military deals worth more than $3 billion with India.
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