Karachi: Pakistan has tried to downplay India’s decision not to invite Imran Khan for Narendra Modi’s swearing-in Thursday, stating that the Indian Prime Minister’s ‘internal politics’ does not permit him to extend an invitation to his Pakistani counterpart.
The Indian government Monday announced in New Delhi that it has invited leaders from the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) countries to Prime Minister Modi’s inauguration, leaving out Pakistan, which is not a member of the regional grouping. The BIMSTEC comprises Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bhutan and Nepal.
Reacting to reports that India has not invited Khan to Modi’s swearing-in programme, Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said a meeting for the sake of dialogue to find a solution to the Kashmir issue, as well as Siachen and Sir Creek disputes, would have been a significant measure instead of attending the swearing-in ceremony.
“His (Prime Minister Mod’’s) entire focus (during the election campaign) was on Pakistan-bashing. It is unwise to expect that he can get rid of this narrative (soon),” Qureshi was quoted as saying by ‘Dawn’ news. “India’s internal politics did not permit him to extend an invitation,” added Qureshi.
In 2014, then Pakistan premier Nawaz Sharif had attended Modi’s swearing-in held May 26 in New Delhi when the leaders of SAARC countries were invited.
Speaking to ‘Geo News’ Monday, Qureshi said Modi had congratulated Khan after he won the general election last year and wrote a letter as well. Khan also spoke Sunday to his Indian counterpart Modi and expressed his desire to work together for the betterment of their peoples.
“Relations between the countries were based on reciprocity and PM Khan had congratulated Mr Modi as a goodwill gesture,” the Pakistani foreign minister said.
“Finding a new way (to resume dialogue) is also essential for them (India). If he (Modi) wants development of this region… the only way is to sit with Pakistan to find a solution. It is in the interest of Pakistan to defuse tensions… Pakistan did not create tension,” Qureshi asserted.
PTI