Former Pakistani Ambassador Husain Haqqani recently took a sharp jab at Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for his effusive praise of former US President Donald Trump. This unfolding saga caught the attention of Indian politician Shashi Tharoor, who publicly supported Haqqani’s critique, sparking a lively debate across social media and political circles.

Shehbaz Sharif had posted on the social platform X, lauding Trump for what he described as an “instrumental role” in global peace efforts, particularly highlighting Trump’s involvement in brokering peace agreements such as the Kuala Lumpur Accord between Cambodia and Thailand, the Gaza Peace Plan, and stabilizing efforts in the Middle East and South Asia. Sharif went so far as to credit Trump with “saving millions of lives globally” and reiterated his nomination of Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize this year.

Haqqani responded with a witty yet pointed critique, calling Sharif the gold medalist in what Indian-American journalist Fareed Zakaria had dubbed the “Olympic sport of flattering Trump.” Haqqani’s remark implied that Sharif’s constant praise of Trump bordered on excessive flattery, something that has drawn criticism and ridicule among observers. This sarcastic commentary gained further attention after Shashi Tharoor, known for his sharp political insights, reposted Haqqani’s comment, thereby endorsing the humor and criticism behind it.

This episode is not an isolated instance; Shehbaz Sharif has repeatedly showered praise on Trump recently. Earlier in October, at the Peace Summit in Egypt, Sharif described Trump as a “man of peace,” emphasizing his pivotal role in stopping wars and achieving ceasefires, including between India and Pakistan. However, such remarks have been met with mixed reactions, including sharp criticism within Pakistan and from international observers who view them as diplomatic overreach or political theater that risks embarrassing Pakistan on the global stage.

The growing scrutiny over Sharif’s comments reflects broader debates on Pakistan’s diplomatic posture and its complex relationship with the US. While acknowledging Trump’s contributions to peace initiatives is not unusual in diplomatic circles, the tone and frequency of Sharif’s accolades have raised eyebrows, prompting former diplomats like Haqqani to publicly question whether such admiration is strategic or simply flattery.

This controversy also highlights the role of social media as a battleground for international diplomacy and political narratives. Remarkably, a former Pakistani diplomat’s sarcastic commentary gained traction in India, aided by an Indian MP’s endorsement, illustrating how regional politics and personalities intertwine in shaping public discourse.

This incident underscores the delicate balance leaders must strike in international diplomacy between expressing respect for foreign counterparts and maintaining a dignified stance that resonates well with domestic and global audiences. It also serves as a reminder that excess praise, especially when perceived as insincere, can backfire and invite public scrutiny rather than diplomatic goodwill.