ISLAMABAD - Pakistan yesterday said that mangoes had not been sent to any foreign leader by the government.
“For the current year, the process is still in the planning stage. As such, there is no question of dispatch of mangoes to any country,” said Foreign Office spokesperson Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri in response to reports regarding gift of Pakistani mangoes to foreign dignitaries.
He added: “We have seen media reports regarding dispatch of Pakistani mangoes last week as gift to some foreign dignitaries. We reject these reports as factually incorrect and misleading. A section of the Indian media has carried wrong and irresponsible reports.” Every year, he said, the President of Pakistan sends high-quality mangoes as gift to selected countries as part of goodwill and to promote our trade diplomacy efforts. The mango exports increased to $104 million in 2019-20 from $78 million the previous year.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs prepares a list of countries keeping in view quarantine regulations, sanitary and phytosanitary requirements as well as availability of flights. Since last year, Covid-19 related stipulations are also part of the consideration,” he said.
Indian media reports claimed that as a part of its 'mango diplomacy' initiative, Pakistan last week sent mangoes to the heads of 32 nations in an attempt to solidify ties. The mangoes were allegedly dispatched on Wednesday to countries such as the US, China, Iran, Turkey, United Kingdom, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Russia amongst others on behalf of Pakistan President Arif Alvi. Varieties such as the Chaunsa mango, Anwar Rattol, and Sindhari were part of the speculated consignments.
Rejects Indian media claims as misleading
The Indus media reported that several countries including the US, China and France have rejected the Pakistan mango diplomacy initiative.
“Countries such as Canada, Nepal, Egypt, and Sri Lanka have also expressed their regrets to the Pak government after declining the Pakistan mangoes.