KARACHI: Military Secretary to President Asif Ali Zardari has alerted the Chairman Karachi Port Trust, Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, and the Chief of Naval Staff, NHQ, Islamabad that their officer Rear Admiral Rizwan Ahmed (General Manager – Operations, Karachi Port Trust) may be appropriately informed to adhere to the norms and protocols of highly formal activities.

According to sources a call on to the President Asif Ali Zardari by Secretary General, International Maritime Organization (IMO) along with eight member delegation was organized on 12 September 2024 at Aiwan-e-Saddar, Islamabad. The meeting, requested by Ministry of Maritime Affairs, started with 10 minutes delay at 3:10pm due to late assembly of the call group. 

At 3:25pm, Rear Admiral Rizwan Ahmed (General Manager – Operations, Karachi Port Trust) abruptly interrupted the President while he was talking and discussing an important aspect with Head of the delegation Mr. Arsenio Antonio. Rear Admiral Rizwan Ahmed informed the President that they had to attend another important meeting, therefore, the call on may be terminated.     

Sudden interruption by the officer was highly unexpected and against the norms/ protocol of the President in presence of international dignitaries. The President expressed his concerns over such undesired and discourteous behavior on part of a member of the delegation. Above in perspective, the officer may be appropriately informed to adhere to the norms and protocols of such highly formal activities, the warning message by President’s Military Secretary added. 

Published in The Daily National Courier, October, 12 2024

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