ISLAMABAD – Pakistan has downplayed India’s decision not to invite ImranKhan for Narendra Modi’s swearing-in on Thursday.
Pakistan said the Indian Prime Minister’s “internal politics” does notpermit him to extend an invitation to his Pakistani counterpart.
The government on Monday announced in New Delhi that it has invited leadersfrom BIMSTEC countries to Prime Minister Modi’s inauguration, leaving outPakistan, which is not a member of the regional grouping.
The BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical andEconomic Cooperation) comprises Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka,Thailand, Bhutan and Nepal.
Reacting to reports that India has not invited Pakistan Prime Minister Khanto Prime Minister Modi’s inauguration, Pakistan Foreign Minister ShahMehmood Qureshi said a meeting for the sake of dialogue to find a solutionto the Kashmir issue, as well as Siachen and Sir Creek disputes, would havebeen a significant measure instead of attending the swearing-in ceremony.
“His (Prime Minister Modi’s) entire focus (during the election campaign)was on Pakistan-bashing. It was unwise to expect that he can get rid ofthis narrative (soon),” Qureshi was quoted as saying by Dawn news.
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“India’s internal politics did not permit him to extend an invitation,” hesaid.
In 2014, then Pakistan premier Nawaz Sharif had attended Prime MinisterModi’s swearing-in held on May 26 in New Delhi when the leaders of SAARCcountries were invited.
Speaking to Geo News on Monday, Qureshi said Modi had congratulated Khanafter he won the general election last year and wrote a letter as well.Prime Minister Khan, breaking the ice in bilateral ties, spoke to hisIndian counterpart Modi on Sunday and expressed his desire to work togetherfor the betterment of their peoples.
