United States (US) Senator Lindsey Graham’s remarks questioning Pakistan’s role as a mediator in US-Iran talks drew a wave of response online. While his statement was roundly slammed, users also dug up that Pakistan, under Imran Khan’s government, had awarded Graham one of its civilian honours in 2019.
During a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing, Graham addressed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth regarding a CBS News report claiming that Iranian military aircraft were stationed at Nur Khan Airbase to avoid potential American strikes.
Though the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) termed the report “misleading and sensationalised,” Graham, a known proponent of war on Iran, maintained skepticism.
“I don’t trust Pakistan as far as I can throw them,” Graham said. “If they actually do have Iranian aircraft parked in Pakistan bases to protect Iranian military assets, that tells me we should be looking maybe for somebody else to mediate”.
The Senator, who is one of the most vociferously pro-Israel legislators in the US, previously maintained a close relationship with Pakistani leadership.
In 2019, during the PTI government’s tenure, Pakistan conferred the Hilal-i-Quaid-i-Azam award upon Graham.
The shift in Graham’s stance has drawn sharp reactions from the public, with many pointing to the irony of the 2019 award.
One social media user remarked, “The lunatic govt of Imran khan awarded Lindsey Graham ‘Hilal e Quaid Azam’ Award in 2019… the same Lindsey Graham whose barking on our Mediator role… Zionist Agent!!!”.
Another observer noted the contradiction in Graham’s loyalties, stating, “Lindsey Graham loved Imran Khan. He also loves Israel. Go figure”.
Critics of the former PTI administration have used Graham’s recent comments to question the government’s previous foreign policy choices. “PTI Govt. k ek or karnama. Abhi bhi logon ko samaj nahi ata,” one user wrote.
Another added, “Was Imran Niazi working with Israel’s lobbies? That American Senator Lindsey Graham, who is currently the biggest advocate for war with Iran, is taunting Pakistan over why its Defense Minister issued a statement against Israel. Imran Niazi had gotten him the Hilal-e-Quaid-e-Azam civilian award”.
The debate has also expanded into a comparison of political strategies between rival parties.
While some criticized the PTI for honoring Graham, others highlighted that the current PML-N government nominated Donald Trump for a Nobel Prize. “Meeting Lindsey Graham makes you anti-Pakistan. But nominating his boss Trump for Nobel Prize after he funded Gaza genocide bombed Iran in alliance with Israel makes you a true patriot,” a user posted on X.
Amidst the criticism, some users suggested that the relationship was part of a specific diplomatic “playbook” that continues today, while others viewed the 2019 interactions as a sign of deeper ties.
One reaction claimed, “Either Lindsey Graham is playing 5D chess or Imran Khan really was part of that Zionist lobby as some were accusing him. Take your pick”.
Another person questioned the underlying narrative, saying, “So you are saying lindsey (a known zionist) was making way for imran khan to the white house.”
Reflecting on the 2019 award, one user noted, “Let’s get this right Imran Khan’s government gave Lindsey Graham Hilal-e-Quaid-e-Azam! Lindsey is Israel’s biggest shill”.
The sentiment was echoed by others who found the transition in Graham’s tone predictable, with one user simply stating, “Different strokes for different folks LOL”.
