No decision yet on PM invitation for Modi’s oath-taking: FO

Published May 22, 2014
Foreign Office spokeswoman Tasnim Aslam. — File photo
Foreign Office spokeswoman Tasnim Aslam. — File photo

ISLAMABAD: The Foreign Office on Thursday rejected reports that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had accepted an invitation to attend the oath-taking ceremony of Narendra Modi as India’s next prime minister, DawnNews reported.

Reports were circulating on various Indian media outlets that the invitation extended to the premier for the on May 26 ceremony had been accepted.

Foreign Office spokeswoman Tasnim Aslam on Thursday said no decision had yet been finalised vis-à-vis the visit.

Aslam said the invitation extended by the Indian side had been received and the prime minister house had been notified in this regard.

Earlier, diplomatic sources had said that a decision would be taken by the prime minister on the invitation after consultations with “stakeholders”.

Sharif is among the leaders of member states of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc) invited by Modi. It is the first time in Indian history that leaders from neighbouring countries have been invited to the swearing-in ceremony of a prime minister.

Afghanistan, Sri Lanka and the Maldives have confirmed their participation in the ceremony.

Opinion

Editorial

Afghan outreach
Updated 11 Jan, 2025

Afghan outreach

Islamabad should stress stronger counterterrorism measures, yet also engage the Taliban high command in Kandahar as well as politicians in Kabul.
Fragile recovery
11 Jan, 2025

Fragile recovery

STATE Bank Governor Jameel Ahmed appears to be quite optimistic over recent economic gains. That is not unusual;...
Destination Europe
11 Jan, 2025

Destination Europe

THE country’s aviation authorities can rest a little easy. After a four-year banishment from European skies,...
E-governance
Updated 10 Jan, 2025

E-governance

Wishing for a viable e-governance system seems like a pipe dream when stable internet connectivity is not guaranteed.
Khuzdar rampage
Updated 10 Jan, 2025

Khuzdar rampage

Authorities must explain how terrorists were able to commandeer the area for eight hours.
Beyond wheelchairs
10 Jan, 2025

Beyond wheelchairs

THE KP government’s Rs370m assistance programme for persons with disabilities is a positive step, not only in ...