A section of political and religious leaders has flayed Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s acceptance of invitation to participate in the swearing-in ceremony of Indian prime minister-elect Narendra Modi, saying the invitation has been accepted to appease the United States and India.
Awami Muslim League (AML) Chairman Sheikh Rashid Ahmad said the matter of PM Sharif’s visit to India had been decided in a meeting between the army chief and Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif.
Criticising Sharif’s decision, Rashid said an international agenda has been given to Sharif to “improve ties with India at any cost. Fight with your army and normalise ties with India”.
“An impression is emanating from this decision that India is the leader of this region. The way SAARC countries have been invited to the oath-taking ceremony, it seems as if we are under the shield of India and we have accepted its hegemony,” said Rashid.
He said that the Indian media had broadcast the news of Sharif’s participation in the oath-taking ceremony a day before the official announcement but Pakistan’s Foreign Office kept denying it.
“We are eager to forge better relations with India but are not ready to accept its supremacy,” he said.
Jamaatud Dawa chief Hafiz Saeed said PM Sharif should represent the people of Pakistan.
“What answer will Sharif give to Kashmiris on his return from India?” asked Saeed.
Terming the PM’s decision to visit India inappropriate, he said Sharif is PM of Pakistan and he should be concerned about the interests of Pakistan, adding that the PM should review his decision to visit India. “There will be no improvement in Pakistan-India relations following Sharif’s visit,” he claimed.
He said that the people of Kashmir had given a clear message to the international community during the polls that they stand behind their freedom movement.