Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has cancelled his visit to Pakistan, saying it is not the right time to embark on it.
In a letter to President Asif Ali Zardari, he said while he still wanted to visit Pakistan, this was not the right time to do so.
However, sources said otherwise.
“The PM found it difficult to visit Pakistan just two days after the anniversary of Mumbai attacks, while the main accused have still not been brought to book,’’ a source said.
The sources also confirmed that Singh wrote to Zardari before Ajmal Kasab was hanged. The letter, which was delivered to Zardari’s office by the Indian High Commission in Islamabad, Singh recalled how he had always told Pakistani leaders that he wanted to visit the country but regretted that it was not conducive for him to visit Pakistan at the time mentioned by the president in his invitation. Keeping hopes alive for the much awaited trip, Singh said he still wanted to visit Pakistan and strengthen ties between the two nations.
“The two sides will continue to look for the right opportunity for my visit to Pakistan,” he wrote in his letter. Considering the ‘narrow window’, as an official had put it, ahead of elections in Pakistan, it is now clear that the visit would not take place even early next year.
There had been wild speculation in the media for months about whether or not Singh will visit Pakistan anytime soon. The Indian Foreign Ministry sought to put an end to these speculations when its officials suggested on November 16 that it may not be possible for Singh to visit Pakistan anytime soon, but did not mention Singh’s letter to Zardari.
Senate Chairman Bokhari in New Delhi
Senate Chairman Nayyer Hussain Bokhari reached New Delhi on Wednesday on a joint invitation of the Rajya Sabha chairman and the Lok Sabha speaker. The delegation received a warm welcome at the Indira Gandhi International Airport by members of the Rajya Sabha Taroon Vijay and Dr Prabha Thakor, who presented bouquets to the members of the delegation. Pakistan’s High Commissioner Salman Bashir was also present. Talking to reporters, Bokhari said they had come to India with a message of peace and love. “Parliamentarians of the both the sides can play an active role to develop understanding between the two countries,” he remarked. Bokhari underscored the need for more bilateral visits at parliamentary level. Bokhari is accompanied by senators Rubina Khalid, Hari Ram, Abdul Haseeb Khan, Heman Das, Malik Najmul Hassan and Kamran. Pakistan National Assembly Speaker Dr Fehmida Mirza has already visited India twice. Similarly, Indian Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar also visited Pakistan in February and November this year.