WASHINGTON: A scathing letter allegedly written by a former Pakistani envoy to the country’s ambassador in Washington comes at a time when the embassy is busy countering a slew of statements, articles and TV talks targeting the country.

“Discrediting [Paki­stan’s] Ambassador [to the United States] Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry at a time when he is dealing with a very difficult situation is no service to Pakistan,” said a senior diplomatic observer in Washington. “It will definitely not help promote Pakistan’s cause.”

The scathing letter, allegedly written by Pakistan’s former ambassador to India Abdul Basit, is dated July 5, but surfaced online days after a speech by US President Donald Trump in which he blamed Pakistan for harbouring Afghan militants.

In that Aug 21 speech, President Trump also outlined a new South Asia strategy, which seeks to coerce Pakistan into supporting US goals in Afghanistan. It also envisages greater Indian role in Afghanistan, stoking Pakistan’s worst fears of being sandwiched between two hostile borders.

The speech led to dozens of articles and statements in the US media, criticising Pakistan and blaming it for fanning violence in Afghanistan. The developments pushed the Pakistani embassy in Washington to the front row of Islamabad’s efforts to present a better image of the country before the American public.

“The embassy was already finding it difficult to do so in today’s hostile environment and the letter has further complicated the situation,” the observer added. In the letter, Mr Basit lambasted Mr Chaudhry’s tenure as foreign secretary over a number of policy gaffes made during his time in the office.

“The more I think the more I am convinced that you have been the worst foreign secretary ever,” Mr Basit wrote in the letter, a copy of which has been circulating on social media.

Sources in the Foreign Office confirmed to DawnNews that the letter was authentic. Embassy sources in Washington also confirmed that the letter was genuine, although “allegations are baseless”.

Published in Dawn, August 30th, 2017