Maldivians residing in Pakistan have expressed their frustration after a scheduled meeting with President Mohamed Muizzu was cancelled at the last minute.
In a brief statement issued by 20 Maldivians living in Pakistan, they noted that while meeting with the community might not have been the top priority of the President's visit, they had prepared for the event after receiving invitations two weeks in advance.
The group expressed disappointment, stating that they were repeatedly assured the meeting would take place, only to be informed at the final hour that it had been cancelled.
Furthermore, they voiced their indignation over the fact that First Lady Sajidha Mohamed found time for an exclusive interview with a Pakistani fashion and lifestyle magazine, yet the President could not find the time to meet his own citizens.
A Maldivian student studying in Pakistan reported that the Maldivian High Commission in Pakistan had guaranteed the meeting would occur, but then went silent. The student expressed dissatisfaction with how they were treated, noting that no explanation was provided for the cancellation.
Muizzu usually meets with Maldivian communities during his official overseas visits. However, the reason for his last-minute decision to skip the meeting with Maldivians in Pakistan remains unclear.
The President’s Office spokesperson, Mohamed Hussain Shareef, did not respond to inquiries regarding the matter.
The President and the First Lady returned to the Maldives yesterday following their three-day official visit to Pakistan. During the trip, 20 MoUs were signed between the two nations, and a Maldives-Pakistan Investment Forum was also held.
