WASHINGTON: The Pakistan Embassy in the US on Wednesday acknowledged a cyberattack, when an intruder entered their virtual space and posted obscene material during a virtual public meeting.

An E-Katchery, or virtual town hall, hosted by the mission on Monday, was disrupted by what officials termed a `cyberattack`, which broadcast `offensive and obscene content that violated all norms of civility and decency,` the embassy said in a statement on X.

The embassy swiftly disconnected and resumed the meeting after removing the disruptor. The incident was explained to participants `who condemned the attack`, the embassy added. An investigation is currently underway.

The incident drew a mixed reaction from thePakistani-American community, with a group representing supporters of former prime minister Imran Khan blaming Ambassador Rizwan Sheikh for failing to prevent the intrusion.

They cited the `failure to secure the virtual meeting, which led to the broadcast of pornographic material in front of women and youth,` and accused the Ambassador of avoiding tough questions about Pakistan`s human rights abuses and transnational repression.

However, the embassy`s statement emphasised that attempts to `politicise, abuse, and exploit` a forum meant solely to facilitate the diaspora, as well as deliberate efforts to distort facts, were deeply regrettable. `Such actions are counterproductive and should be avoided,` the embassy added, reaffirming its commitment to serving the Pakistani diaspora.