Modi's "internal politics" does not permit him to invite Imran Khan to swearing-in ceremony: Qureshi

Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said that a meeting for the sake of dialogue to find a solution to the Kashmir issue, would have been a significant measure instead of attending the swearing-in ceremony.

Shah Mehmood Qureshi (Source: PTI)

New Delhi: Pakistan has alleged that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s "internal politics" does not allow him to extend an invitation to his Pakistani counterpart Imran Khan in his swearing-in ceremony. This comes after Government of India snubbed Pakistan and invited BIMSTEC countries (of which Pakistan is not a part) to the swearing-in ceremony of Narendra Modi. Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said that 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 Modi's) entire focus (during the election campaign) was on Pakistan-bashing. It was unwise to expect that he can get rid of this narrative (soon)," Qureshi was quoted as saying by Dawn news. The Ministry of External Affairs on Monday announced that government has invited leaders from BIMSTEC countries to Prime Minister Modi's inauguration, leaving out Pakistan, which is not a part of the seven-member regional grouping. "India's internal politics did not permit him to extend an invitation," Qureshi said about Modi. Modi and Khan are scheduled to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Kyrgyzstan next month. In 2014, then Pakistan premier Nawaz Sharif had attended Prime Minister Modi's swearing-in held on May 26 in New Delhi when the leaders of SAARC countries were invited. Pakistani Premier Imran Khan was among the first leaders to extend greetings to Modi after his sweeping victory in the polls. Speaking to Geo News on Monday, Qureshi said Modi had congratulated Khan after he won the general election last year and wrote a letter as well. "Relations between the countries were based on reciprocity and PM Khan had congratulated Mr Modi as a goodwill gesture," the Pakistani foreign minister was quoted as saying. "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 said. (with PTI inputs)