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German Ambassador to Pakistan, Alfred Grannas, has reacted strongly over pro-Palestine protest during a conference in Lahore titled ‘Peoples’ Mandate: Safeguarding Civil Rights in South Asia’.
A student publicly questioned the ambassador’s presence and the right to discuss civil rights, citing Germany’s alleged mistreatment of pro-Palestinian activists. The audience showed support for the student’s statement with applause and pro-Palestine chants.
Ambassador Grannas responded to the disruption by suggesting that those who wish to shout should do so outside, emphasizing that the conference was not the place for it.
The incident led to criticism from the Progressive Students Collective, who denounced the ambassador’s apparent disregard for Palestinian issues and accused the event’s organizers of suppressing opposing views and enabling advocates of oppression. Claims of mistreatment of students by the organizers also emerged.
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A leader from the PSC accused the ambassador of hypocrisy. Additionally, a pro-Palestine protester alleged that he was roughly handled and ejected from the venue. He expressed confusion over the German ambassador discussing civil liberties in Pakistan, given Germany’s reported military support to Israel.