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Pakistan's ambassador to the United States, Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry, on Wednesday issued a rebuttal to the letter written to him by Abdul Basit, the former ambassador to India, calling it "disgusting".
Chaudhry told journalists that Basit's letter, which had been making rounds on social media since Monday night, was “too rude and uncalled for”.
Basit in his letter addressed to Chaudhry, dated July 5, 2017, lambasted the latter's tenure as foreign secretary apparently over a number of foreign policy gaffes made during his time in the office.
“He [Basit] wrongly thinks that he could not reach the post of foreign secretary because of me — he has since retired,” Chaudhry said in his response which was emailed to journalists.
“I have served my country to the best of my abilities. Some of us like Basit fail to realise that life is a combination of human endeavour and fate. We have to accept in humility what life gives us and then thank the Creator for that,” the envoy to US was quoted as saying. "Jealousy has no remedy."
Chaudhry said that after the letter became public, many colleagues expressed their support and friendship to him. "Now that the letter is on social media, I thought I should share with you my sense of disappointment at being targeted like that."
The Association of Former Ambassadors in a message to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) took notice of the "unfortunate episode", saying that it appeared to have been prompted by "personal differences between two officers of the Foreign Services".
The association expressed solidarity with the MoFA and were "confident that this episode will not detract... the Foreign Office from your primary responsibility".
Basit, in his letter, had called Chaudhry "the worst foreign secretary ever". Sources in the Foreign Office had confirmed to DawnNews that the letter was authentic.
The former envoy to India, who was replaced after opting for an early retirement earlier this month by Sohail Mahmood, had written the acerbic letter in response to Chaudhry's farewell letter which he wrote after being appointed the ambassador to United States.
Basit had also expressed concern in his letter that Chaudhry would end up being "the worst Pakistan Ambassador in Washington D.C".
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On DawnNews
Comments (79) Closed
Aug 30, 2017 02:17pm
The two are equally disappointing after all this mud-slinging.
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Aug 30, 2017 02:20pm
'Jealousy has no remedy' --- well said, Aizaz !
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Aug 30, 2017 02:21pm
It is undeniable that there is the worst kind of discrimination practiced in the foreign office in the appointments to important positions at headquarters and missions abroad.
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Aug 30, 2017 02:32pm
Abdul Basit was an excellent diplomat Pakistan should have been proud of. FO affairs are in a mess due to cronies sitting in and around the PM ensuring the wastage of a gem. Pity!
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Aug 30, 2017 02:35pm
office politics
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Aug 30, 2017 02:37pm
It looks to me the same professional jealousy. Mr. Basit has long career as Diplomat and should have given many times thinking to write a letter to another Diplomat. This letter must have given bade image internationally as well as nationally. Letter was below the professionalism.
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Aug 30, 2017 02:42pm
Both are publicly insulting each other and hurling personal attacks. Please keep these confined to yourselves.
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Aug 30, 2017 02:46pm
Basit sahab would have one a better job than this fellow...
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Aug 30, 2017 02:51pm
Jealousy and incompetence both have no remedy.
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Aug 30, 2017 02:55pm
Speaks of the culture prevailing in the MoFA. What else could be expected in a rudderless ministry which remained minister less for more than 4 years
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Aug 30, 2017 03:10pm
set your house in order unless its too late. they just pose India as a threat just to cover their flaws.
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Aug 30, 2017 03:11pm
Basit should learn to differ
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Aug 30, 2017 03:18pm
You both are dear to us, self restrained is the best restrain...
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Aug 30, 2017 03:23pm
@Iftikhar Ahmad In India ,he did nothing except holding iftaar and pak independence day party,he had no friends in diplomatic circles in Delhi and other countries ambassadors avoided him because of his lack to diplomatic decency and niceties. Pak image as a terror sponsor got enhanced during his tenure in N.Delhi
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Aug 30, 2017 03:25pm
This slugfest shows the overall calibre of diplomats and FO.
"We have to accept in humility what life gives us and then thank the Creator for that"- humble words though!
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Aug 30, 2017 03:27pm
Where is foreign minister to stop infighting in media. How will we deal with Afghanistan, America etc at time like this. Can some one take charge.
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Aug 30, 2017 03:42pm
Mr Aizaz Ch we know jealousy has no remedy... but you never said a word about Basit's allegations about your ineptness ? your lack of working methods ? and your inability to qualify for this seat ?. you humiliated and shamed Pakistan and its citizens...
we all know how people get promoted in PPP / PMLN era,,, that's why we are far behind rest of the world.
now, clarify or reply on Basit's allegations about your abilities. don hide behind whatever you stated in latest quip.
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Aug 30, 2017 03:43pm
@Ayub - all such discrimination remained hallmark of PPP / PMLN eras.
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Aug 30, 2017 03:46pm
Very fine reply from a fine man (Mr chaudhry is a far seasoned personality)
Tarun
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Aug 30, 2017 03:48pm
Do we still have no FM? Absolutely crazy.
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Aug 30, 2017 03:50pm
Aziz summed it all. But very disappointed with senior diplomats doing thier score settling in public. Basit started it on the wrong foot.
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Aug 30, 2017 03:51pm
Aizaz has hit the nail on the head and his measured response demonstrates his maturity. Basit spent his entire tenure in Delhi looking for ways to spoil India Pakistani relations. He was clearly one othe worst Pakistani High commissioners to India.
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Aug 30, 2017 03:54pm
You have rightly said that jealousy has no remedy... after all what is that Basit has achieved being HC of our adversary nation...
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Aug 30, 2017 03:54pm
@Muhammad Riyaz : At the end of the day what Basit achieved at Delhi? He got a reputation for rudeness and fact is that indian prss treated him very poorly.. He is widely known as ISI man in Delhi....
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Aug 30, 2017 03:55pm
Ambassador's job is to become a mediator between the host country and the country whom he represent in making a smooth diplomatic relation and conveying concerns and message of his country to the government of host country. To me, Basit had performed badly in India.
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Aug 30, 2017 03:55pm
Please discuss the issue privately. No need to bring this to public. Show some responsibility.
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Aug 30, 2017 03:56pm
Not a great admirer of either of them, but Aizaz chaudhry's reply sounds more sensible and well balanced.
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Aug 30, 2017 04:09pm
@Shiv:
Being an Indian, Shiv, I can understand fully what you are advocating. Any Pakistani Ambassador in India who is stigmatized by Indian Government as a "person non grata", and wants that Pakistani Ambassador in India to go back without charging him in any illegal activities, is Of Course is a very efficient Pakistani Ambassador. You were scared of Mr. Abdul Basit, because he was very, very active, very daring, a vocal to the freedom of Kashmir, a man of character, a person you can not corrupt, and these were the qualities you do not like in any Pakistani Ambassador. Iftar Parties were religious ceremonies, but have political in depth also, he indeed was an Ambassador you hate most, and it proves that he was the best fit Ambassador of Pakistan in India. Most probably you like a NAWAZ SHAREEF SAHEB kind of person as an ambassador to India, RIGHT?
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Aug 30, 2017 04:13pm
And you expect these people to protect/lobby against hostilities in India and USA!!!
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Aug 30, 2017 04:16pm
@Shiv : In your imagination of course. Please avoid mixing facts with fiction. Even I know many things about your so called Indian HC in Islamabad.
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Aug 30, 2017 04:19pm
Neither of the two have served the country. They have served themselves.
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Aug 30, 2017 04:25pm
Sitting here in the US, I can only attest to the fact that Mr. Aizaz conducts himself well in line with all the decorum of a diplomat. His behavior must be contrasted with that of Mr. Basit, in New Delhi who was arrogant and reckless the way he conducted himself. He frequented out as much as possible and in doing so brazenly interacted with J and K factions! India to its credit watched it all closely but preferred to deal with it silently. Can you imagine an Indian ambassador dealing with Baluchistan and other loose outfits in Pakistan?
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Aug 30, 2017 04:29pm
@Muhammad Riyaz . If Abdul Basit was the best you could offer to India we'll send Rahul zhsndhi as our Ambassodor !
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Aug 30, 2017 04:43pm
Going by the letter that Basit penned, it becomes more apparent that he should not have been the top diplomat for Pakistan
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Aug 30, 2017 04:43pm
Message to both.
Grow up.
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Aug 30, 2017 04:47pm
@Shiv this coming from India is not difficult to fathom why. He should be lauded that he survived in such a hostile atmosphere.
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Aug 30, 2017 04:51pm
My advice to both so called diplomats would be: stop acting like silly school boys, act like a grown up and sensible people!
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Aug 30, 2017 05:03pm
@Ismail you might disagree with him, its just unfortunate that the manner he used to criticize Aizaz was not polite. However, there is no doubt in my mind the conclusions he came to, about Aizaz's performance, were correct. One should have the the strength of character and freedom to point out the failures of people in important positions.
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Aug 30, 2017 05:07pm
The people of Pakistan do not appreciate your dirty laundry in public. All your hard work as been shown the door with your incompetence.
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Aug 30, 2017 05:09pm
Like jealousy has no remedy , SIFARISH links has also no remedy .
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Aug 30, 2017 05:10pm
Abdul Basit was on high stake assignment in India who always presented Pakistan's case very efficiently. But what will Aizaz do if there is no foriegn minister
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Aug 30, 2017 05:12pm
What did basit achieve. Nothing. Absolutely zero
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Aug 30, 2017 05:17pm
Agreed, basit has made a fool of himself by spilling beans in public. Further, such letter at high position also highlights a pair mindset not worthy of a bearucrat....
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Aug 30, 2017 05:29pm
The in capable people at important posts was required and was the need of any incapable Prime Minister. For the same reasons or some other he could not appoint an energetic and confident foreign minister for 4 years as he himself was dealing all these matters for which he was totally goof. He was not able to present the country' case at any forum. We lost 4 years in our foreign policy at all levels and now we are facing the blame game in all the media of the world. It is very pity to see this all.
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Aug 30, 2017 05:41pm
and impotentness has no cure :) right ch saab u r an impotent person and will stay this way
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Aug 30, 2017 06:19pm
@Iftikhar Ahmad Very well said Jealousy has no remedy.
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Aug 30, 2017 06:22pm
Basit was denied to the post of foreign Secretary of state. It is his meritorious right which was not given to him. The axcess and injustice have been exercised to mr.Basit. some remedial steps must be made by the competent authorities to restore upon him his due right.
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Aug 30, 2017 06:31pm
we have no idea of exchange of letters but we can see that the Ambassador is not pleading his country case either in the media or various forums to explain people in US factual position. This also applies to Pakistan ambassador in UN.
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Aug 30, 2017 06:38pm
Aizaz Chaudhry 's wife involvement in the PFOWA scandal where this NGO was involved in giving plots to Roots millennium cannot be forgotten.. he is part of the dirty elite who are the enemies of this nation..Foreign office under his leadership has become a disgrace..
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Aug 30, 2017 06:41pm
What did Basit achieve in New Delhi and Germany? His stint in New Delhi is controversial, May be Pakistanis can appreciate his trouble creating attitude. But that is not a diplomat's job. Diplomat must improve the relation. He did not enhance the relationship with NewDelhi nor berlin, But touched a new low in both the countries.
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Aug 30, 2017 06:47pm
Basit discounted the administration and sought the backing of the establishment. He thought the establishment will ensure his future but did not realize that while the administration had its issues the establishment is far worse off in terms of international relations and reputation. Basit would have failed miserably in the US or western countries just as he did in India inviting a surgical strike . The affinity for the establishment is going to only have leverage inside Pakistan and nominal allies but not in the Americas or Europe or Asia Pacific . Enjoy your well deserved retirement .
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Aug 30, 2017 06:50pm
competency and loyalty are the two main ingredients to judge the true credentials in foreign office job,Abdul Basit has initiated a good practice to challenge all those appointments which are not on merit. Now will he kindly elaborate the specific reason/facts which annoyed him to speak against Mr Chaudhary ?
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Aug 30, 2017 06:54pm
These two guys should stop fighting in public. Have some decency and represent Pakistan with honor and dignity.
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Aug 30, 2017 07:18pm
I gurantee that Basit will jump into politics soon. It is the easiest way to gather public support by ranting against things which are not going good.
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Aug 30, 2017 07:22pm
This should stop here.
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Aug 30, 2017 07:43pm
I am not surprised at all. People like Basit portray themselves as saviours of Pakistan and end up as losers in the end.
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Aug 30, 2017 08:04pm
Very disappointing two diplomats at the peak of their profession are being so undiplomatic.
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Aug 30, 2017 08:39pm
No doubt we always loose diplomatic battles because of such people posted at highly diplomatic places on Earth.
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Aug 30, 2017 08:54pm
@jawaid In fact AB has violated all norms of ethics by
openly raising his fingers against another diplomat (AC) where as Aizaz Chaudhary has responded to the former's allegations against him. Everyone has the right
to defend himself.
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Aug 30, 2017 08:57pm
What good can one expect from diplomats having row between them. We are facing failures in international diplomatic circles simply because of this professional jealousy.
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Aug 30, 2017 09:02pm
@javaid Iqbal Qureshi it is correct that he should not have letter or made online during these difficult time.
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Aug 30, 2017 10:20pm
Abdul Basit's letter introduces a new low in the norms of diplomatic conduct.
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Aug 30, 2017 10:35pm
Regardless of whether Chaudhry is incompetent or not, it is highly unprofessional and undiplomatic to publicly criticise a fellow diplomat like this. The ultimate blame lies with the PML government for posting incompetents to such an important roles.
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Aug 31, 2017 04:26am
I think Abdul basit is the right man
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Aug 31, 2017 04:30am
I think Abdul basit is a right man and was delivered best for the nation.seniorty is not every thing countable thing is service and honesty
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Aug 31, 2017 08:34am
Very likely that Basit is wrong because as ambassador in India we have seen his communal mind not befitting an ambassador..Very often he made statements not becoming of an ambassador.He certainly brought down his soft appeal he was expected to possess
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Aug 31, 2017 03:17pm
Basit hadn't done any great work in India, in his tenure the relation between two countries went sorer. SAARC became redundant due to his antics.
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Aug 31, 2017 03:51pm
As if Pakistan didn't have enough problems on its hand that two senior diplomats washing dirty linen in global public view.
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Aug 31, 2017 04:14pm
Highlighting deficiencies and substandard work is not a jealousy but indications of loyalty to country and department. We expect a little from a common person but expect a lot from the people on a high and crucial position such as foreign minister.
Even NAB pointed out that some appointments in different departments were on favoritism and who you know basis.
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Aug 31, 2017 05:28pm
Jealously has no remedy = absolutely true. A matured and measured reply to a maverick.
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Aug 31, 2017 06:09pm
@Muhammad Riyaz His language against his colleague shows his qualities as a diplomat. He achieved nothing.
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Aug 31, 2017 09:52pm
Two diplomats fighting in public .... not a good qualification to be in the foreign service.
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Aug 31, 2017 10:16pm
For you people, Hindu Epic Ramcharitmanas have a poem:
Janhan Sumati Tanha Sanpati Nana |
Janhan Kumati Tahan Bipati Nidana ||
MEANS
where is love, affection, friendly attitude, cooperation; there is wealth, Laxmi, prosperity, victory and wellness.
Where is quarrel, hate, unfriendly attitude, non-cooperation; there is poverty, troubles, defeat, illness and many difficulties.
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Aug 31, 2017 11:12pm
Diplomatic core has been marginalized due to politicization of foreign affairs!
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Aug 31, 2017 11:22pm
These gentlemen are (were) the highest ranking diplomats of Pakistan. Unfortunately their personal fights do not speak well of their characters. They have added negativity to already existing low profile of Pakistan and Pakistani abroad. Pakistan does not such characters representing her interest
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Sep 01, 2017 03:08am
@Kashmiri boy Agression does not mean efficiency and agressiveness is the opposite of diplomacy.
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Sep 01, 2017 03:12am
This mud-slinging and tit for tat between two senior members of Foreign Service
officials is unbecoming of the position they hold and does not set a good example for the junior members of Ministry. I am reminded here of Pierre Elliott
Trudeau's response to Nixon's unparliametary remark:
" I HAVE BEEN CALLED WORSE THINGS BY BETTER PEOPLE."
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Sep 01, 2017 06:42am
Mere shame.
These are supposed to highly educated and polished individuals.
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Sep 01, 2017 02:53pm
Look at what kind of Bureaucrats does Pakistan have. Basit was a failure with regard to strengthening relationship with India. Now that he has retired, he is full of vengeance spitting venom against the very boss that he worked with.
No discipline, no respect for the nation, no respect for individuals, no respect for the institution ultimately show the Pakistan establishment in poor light. I have seen similar attitude in the cricket set up where everybody criticises each other. One reason why they aren't respected by the international community
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