Shama Junejo, currently part of Pakistan’s official delegation to the United Nations (UN), has issued a clarification after facing intense backlash from social media users, politicians, and journalists for her alleged pro-Israel stance.
The criticism stemmed from her tweets where she wrote some pro-Israel stance and admires Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is committing genocide in Gaza.
What triggers controversy in UNSC?
Her controversy began when she was seen seated behind Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, a vocal advocate for a Palestinian state, during his address to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) earlier this week.
Former federal minister Fawad Chaudhry also weighed in on social media, writing, “Sitting behind the defence minister, there’s a woman who has been running a campaign to recognize Israel. Khawaja Asif constantly speaks against Israel, but he also wants to stay close to the Israeli lobby.”
Many online critics questioned why the Government of Pakistan had included Shama Junejo in the UNSC delegation.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Clarification
A day later, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded, addressing public concerns over her presence behind the Defence Minister.
Khawaja Asif had spoken during a UNSC session, with Junejo seated directly behind him. This sparked backlash due to her alleged past statements in support of recognizing Israel.
The Foreign Ministry issued an official statement, clarifying that Junejo was not listed in the official delegation for the 80th UN General Assembly session, and her seating behind the Defence Minister had not been approved by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.
Shama Junejo latest statement:
In her defense, Shama Junejo denied the accusations of being pro-Israel. She shared her past posts on X (formerly Twitter), where she condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza.
“For the past two years, I have tweeted about Gaza almost daily – calling Netanyahu a war criminal and highlighting Israeli atrocities,” she explained.
She also countered the Foreign Ministry statement by posting the pictures of her with Defense Minister Khawaja Asif, CEO Crypto Council Bilal bin Saqib, along with her official card and wrote, “I have been working with the Prime Minister for several months. I was tasked with writing a speech for the United Nations and was made part of the delegation. My name was added as a regular advisor, and my security pass was issued. I worked closely with his team day and night.”
She further recounted her involvement in key events, including the Prime Minister’s speech at the Climate Conference, where she sat with key officials, and later participated in other important meetings. “I sat behind the Prime Minister at the Climate Conference, and we all clapped for him during his speech. Afterward, I was with him during sideline meetings, including with Bill Gates.”
Junejo questioned why Khawaja Asif had made such statements, suggesting that his actions may have undermined the government’s historic visit.
She added, “The Prime Minister should ask him why he is defaming a historic visit. His authority has been challenged, not mine!”
