Unexpected invite: PM ‘likely’ to attend Modi’s oath-taking

[Yaduveer]

A well-informed high-ranking government official, however, disclosed that the Foreign Office would recommend the prime minister accept the invitation. PHOTO: AFP/FILE

ISLAMABAD:
Barring any last-minute changes, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is likely to travel to New Delhi next week to attend the swearing-in ceremony of India’s Prime Minister-designate Narendra Modi, The Express Tribune has learnt. In an unprecedented move, India invited leaders of all South Asian countries including Premier Nawaz to Modi’s oath-taking ceremony scheduled for May 26.

Foreign Office spokesperson Tasnim Aslam confirmed to The Express Tribune that Pakistan has received the formal invitation. She added that it hasn’t been decided yet whether the premier would attend the ceremony or not.

A well-informed high-ranking government official, however, disclosed that the Foreign Office would recommend the prime minister accept the invitation.

“This is a rare moment and will be a huge game changer. We should not let this opportunity go. Opportunities if viscerally squandered do not arise again easily and quickly. This is the moment to show vision and leadership,” said the official requesting anonymity.

The official added that the newly elected Indian prime minister ‘means business’ and his invitation was not a formality but a serious move to improve ties between the two countries. “We should respect India’s democratic verdict. Clinging to past will take us nowhere in the future,” the official argued. “It’s the first time a Pakistani prime minister has been invited to the oath taking of an Indian prime minister.”

The rare move on the part of the incoming Indian premier appears to dismiss speculations that relations between the two neighbours could deteriorate due to the victory of the hard-line Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the marathon parliamentary polls. The decision is also seen as significant, considering the tough language used by Modi against Pakistan during his election campaign.

Islamabad has already made it clear that it is ready to work with whoever forms the next government in India. Nawaz was one of the first leaders to telephone Modi and congratulate him on his party’s impressive election victory.

Given Nawaz’s policy of a peaceful neighbourhood, the official disclosed that he would not be surprised if the prime minister accepts Modi’s invitation. “The final decision will be taken after consultations with all stakeholders,” he said, referring to the country’s security establishment, which always has a say on such matters.

Afghan President Hamid Karzai already confirmed to attend the ceremony.

Despite Modi’s controversial political history, international leaders are now rushing to congratulate him.

China has already done so and US President Barack Obama, with whom Modi and his party have a frosty relationship, has spoken to India’s PM-elect on the phone.

The swearing-in ceremony, to be held at the forecourt of the historic Rashtrapati Bhavan, is likely to be attended by as many as 3,000 guests. Modi will be sworn in as the 15th Prime Minister of India by President Pranab Mukherjee.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 22nd, 2014.

Unexpected invite: PM ‘likely’ to attend Modi’s oath-taking – The Express Tribune

 

[Sugarcane]

Mian sahib - there will be veg. dishes, reconsider your plan

 

[Yaduveer]

it's like Damn you do and damn you don't.

If Nawaz Sharif say NO ,it means that he is not serious about peace initiative and could not reign over Pakistan's establishment.

If He says yes , he is clubbed with other SAARC leaders and conform to regional leadership of India in South Asia.

Modi has shown his mettle by making smart move on the first day itself.

 

[Thorough Pro]

He should excuse, just like MMS did on his oath taking ceremony

Mian sahib - there will be veg. dishes, reconsider your plan

 

[Yaduveer]

Mian sahib - there will be veg. dishes, reconsider your plan

Only a glass of water would be served , Please bring your Tiffin Box with you.

 

[third eye]

Mian sahib - there will be veg. dishes, reconsider your plan

Can we think beyond food ?

Are body requirements paramount even on a world stage ?

 

[Yaduveer]

Can we think beyond food ?

Are body requirements paramount even on a world stage ?

that was a joke . take it lightly .

 

[my2cents]

He should excuse, just like MMS did on his oath taking ceremony

Chhodo Kal Ki Baatein, Kal Ki Baat Purani
Nae Daur Men Likhenge, Mil Kar Nai Kahaani
Ham Hindustaani, Ham Hindustaani

 

[W.11]

personally i think that both pakistan and india are getting same caliber of people to lead it for next many years, i find both modi and nawaz to be of same class, both of them are nationalists like nawaz is a punjabi nationalist, modi is hindu nationalist, modi presence will irk some muslims, similarly nawaz presence will irk non punjabis, muslims in india have got a very low representation similarly non punjabis in government have got a very low representation. modi got to the throne based on his performance in gujrat, similarly PMLN did the same by showing performance in Punjab. both of them have conservative views.

i think both of them will be burden for their country, in this time when both the countries need an outclass liberal minded representation to take them to the next level, both of them are stuck with bad leaderships because both countries were left with the only option, in pakistan it was nawaz, in india it was modi, so it was all already known who was gonna win, both are very traditional kind of politicians, i don't know much about modi but he has been around since ages and nawaz does same electable typical traditional like politics in Pakistan, so any change can't be expected any how. both of them have come at a time when the economies of both countries are weakened and need a rescue

india and pakistan both would need to wait for another 5-10 years to get proper leaders

since both are people traditional mindset i don't forsee any break through between indo pak relations, it may be remain same or go even worse, but i don't expect them to get a lot better(for that we need someone who puts the middle age thinking of indo pak rivalry aside and has new brain for new age thinking and considers ending kashmir issue and consider limiting military expenditure for economic and social development and consider that india and pak should coperate at all levels to eliminate poverty from the region)

for modi i don't know much but what ever i know this is my assessment i maybe wrong, he maybe totally opposite of what i stated, but i 100% correct on nawaz

 

[Sugarcane]

Only a glass of water would be served , Please bring your Tiffin Box with you.

You should have mentioned this in invitation.

He should excuse, just like MMS did on his oath taking ceremony

No - He must go there to make point that despite provocative statements from BJP during election campaign and as opposition party - Pakistan still will work with her IF they are interested in peace and resolving disputes peacfully, otherwise India will try to project it as new Indian government gave message of peace but it's Pakistan who showed hostility.

 

[Contrarian]

personally i think that both pakistan and india are getting same caliber of people to lead it for next many years, i find both modi and nawaz to be of same class, both of them are nationalists like nawaz is a punjabi nationalist, modi is hindu nationalist, modi presence will irk some muslims, similarly nawaz presence will irk non punjabis, muslims in india have got a very low representation similarly non punjabis in government have got a very low representation. modi got to the throne based on his performance in gujrat, similarly PMLN did the same by showing performance in Punjab. both of them have conservative views.

i think both of them will be burden for their country, in this time when both the countries need an outclass liberal minded representation to take them to the next level, both of them are stuck with bad leaderships because both countries were left with the only option, in pakistan it was nawaz, in india it was modi, so it was all already known who was gonna win, both are very traditional kind of politicians, i don't know much about modi but he has been around since ages and nawaz does same electable typical traditional like politics in Pakistan, so any change can't be expected any how. both of them have come at a time when the economies of both countries are weakened and need a rescue

india and pakistan both would need to wait for another 5-10 years to get proper leaders

since both are people traditional mindset i don't forsee any break through between indo pak relations, it may be remain same or go even worse, but i don't expect them to get a lot better(for that we need someone who puts the middle age thinking of indo pak rivalry aside and has new brain for new age thinking and considers ending kashmir issue and consider limiting military expenditure for economic and social development and consider that india and pak should coperate at all levels to eliminate poverty from the region)

for modi i don't know much but what ever i know this is my assessment i maybe wrong, he maybe totally opposite of what i stated, but i 100% correct on nawaz

Modi is like pretty much like Erdogan.

Hinduism in the garb of nationalism but will strongly deliver in economy. Will make India grow very fast and provide political stability.

 

[thesolar65]

Mian sahib - there will be veg. dishes, reconsider your plan

Khakra, Phepda, Dhokla etc.......

 

[hunter_hunted]

Only a glass of water would be served , Please bring your Tiffin Box with you.

Kar de na kanjuson wali baat.........

 

[AnnoyingOrange]

Mian sahib - there will be veg. dishes, reconsider your plan

Miya ji...jitne log Pakistan main rehte hain na...utne har mahine Murge aur Bakre kat jate hain Hindustaan main... Zara 10th class ki kitab se bahar niklo.

 

[Tshering22]

Mian sahib - there will be veg. dishes, reconsider your plan

Just hope that there's no coup in Pakistan while Sharif is here enjoying his diplomatic visit.

The last time he agreed, Mush man threw him out.