Pakistan PM Imran Khan trolled for "begging" blunder by state-broadcaster during China visit

An unfortunate botch-up by the Pakistan Television Corporation (PTV) landed Pakistan Imran Khan at the mercy of trolls on social media on Monday after the channel ran ‘Begging’ on its location label instead of ‘Beijing’ while he was speaking live from China's capital. 

Newly installed Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan was giving a speech at the Central Party School of the ruling Communist Party of China, where this blunder by the state-run channel soon turned into a blooper for social media. 

The gaffe ironically coincided with Pak PM Khan making a pitch for his debt-ridden economy in the capital of the country that is widely viewed as its biggest remaining supporter and the key-holder to Pakistan's economic salvation on account of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). 

Addressing the mortifying typographical error, PTV News tweeted, “Today, during a live address of the Prime Minister during his ongoing visit to China, a typographical error took place, which remained on screen for 20 seconds & later removed. This incident is regrettable. Strict action has been initiated under rules against concerned officials.”

The ‘begging’ debacle that stayed for entire 20 seconds before it was rectified, found a sweet spot on social media for definitely more time than that with #begging that became a top trend on Pakistan Twitter.

With Imran Khan currently on his first official visit to China, Pakistan is keen on negotiating and securing the relevant investment and aid. However, China has averred that more talks are necessary before details are finalized. 

China has already assured over $60 billion to Pakistan in form of investment and loans for ports, roads, power plants and industrial estates. But the ability of Pakistan to make good on the investment has been a matter of concern. 

On his recent visit to Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom has offered Pakistan $3 billion as a balance of payment aid. Furthermore, Mohammad bin Salman’s Kingdom has agreed to adjourn a one-year payment facility for oil imports worth $3 billion.