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THERE appears to be no end to the PTI’s bitter feelings for its political opponents and critics, a truth underscored by the government’s steadfast commitment not to invite PML-N and PPP leaders to official engagements during the state visit of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman.
Government representatives spent the last few days vociferously defending the prime minister’s decision. While the government’s principal defence seems to be that prominent opposition leaders “don’t deserve” to be invited to official functions as they face corruption cases, justifications of various hues were offered — including the excuse that there was not enough space in the banquet halls to accommodate everyone.
It is an unfortunate reality that our political leaders, both the new and the experienced, lack the maturity to handle such events.
Read more: Govt flayed for not inviting opposition to crown prince’s reception
Not too long ago, during the visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to parliament, then prime minister Nawaz Sharif made a special effort to embarrass Imran Khan as he greeted the Chinese leader when he said, in Urdu, that perhaps Mr Khan should explain to Mr Jinping that his earlier scheduled visit to Pakistan was postponed due to the PTI sit-in.
Routine as it is, such tit-for-tat behaviour does not behove any prime minister — especially in the presence of world leaders and diplomatic delegations, as it lays bare our internal discord and disunity before the international community.
Prime Minister Khan should have set differences aside — even if it was just for this occasion — and fought against the impulse to settle political scores. Instead of fearing what impression such an invitation would give to his opponents, Mr Khan should have shifted his attention to what message would be sent to the world as it watched one of the most powerful leaders from the Middle East visit Pakistan.
It would serve the PTI well to remember that the visiting Saudi delegation were a guest of the state and not personal friends of Mr Khan. The state, which is represented by its elected representatives, should have displayed more tolerance.
Published in Dawn, February 19th, 2019
Read more
On DawnNews
Comments (65) Closed
Feb 19, 2019 08:51am
What you expect from incompetent PTI government ?
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Feb 19, 2019 09:50am
Was IK or PTI ever invited by PML N or PPP ??????????????
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Feb 19, 2019 10:01am
Good one IK.....keep these looters away
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Feb 19, 2019 11:16am
@Pro Democracy , If PTI government is incompetent & corrupt than what one will say about NL & 3P !
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Feb 19, 2019 11:17am
Has the opposition behaved like an opposition in parliament.
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Feb 19, 2019 11:20am
This give a very strong message to the world's that in Pakistan....Now no corrupt politicians has any place in the country...It was the correct decision by Government...at one hand they are being tried in the court of law for their corruption...and at the same time....letting these corrupt politicians to represent Pakistan at such important events in its History...The sense has prevailed....Bravo....IK and team....Keep up the good work...The entire nation is looking towards your great leadership...
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Feb 19, 2019 11:23am
The corrupt must stay out of picture and spotlights. It is a global truth, no matter how late our media realise it.
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Feb 19, 2019 11:24am
The PM did exactly the right thing. The so-called opposition are in fact the enemies of the nation, it's just they are too deluded to see things for what they are. Ostracize them.
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Feb 19, 2019 11:26am
Pure ameturism. Whatever may be difference among the political parties, it is not for displaying before an important foreign dignitary.
R.S. Menon, Bangalore
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Feb 19, 2019 11:27am
@Akil Akhtar, don't cry when opposition donot support PTI going forward. IK is behaving like he already got $21 bn, he should know that it's just mou and may take years for dollars to come to PAK. He still needs financial help for next few years and keeping opposition happy may serve him well as he would be able to focus on development works.
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Feb 19, 2019 11:31am
Straight forward and correct decision by IK.
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Feb 19, 2019 11:33am
@excalibur, Yes. CM from all provinces were part of CPEC conference.
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Feb 19, 2019 11:34am
An excellent article which I am in full accord. This was a state visit, not a house warming
party...
Gordon D. Walker
Canada
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Feb 19, 2019 11:35am
@Akil Akhtar, Bold Decision by PTI
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Feb 19, 2019 11:43am
@Pro Democracy , If they are incompetent and still doing best for Pakistan then still these incompetent are better
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Feb 19, 2019 11:53am
I am happy PTI government has not invited Opposition leaders to function of Saudi Prince. Otherwise once again we have to listen same story from PTI government about the corruption of previous government. At least for a change corruption story of Previous government took the back stage. Indeed not calling opposition parties on the visit of foreign dignatories is an act that should be condemned. It's repercussions will be fairly long lastings.
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Feb 19, 2019 11:56am
In which country oppoisition leaders comes to attend diplomatic sessions from Jail ???
Open ur eyes and come out of dreams !!!
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Feb 19, 2019 11:57am
We all should stop fighting and start working for our beloved country effective steps are need for better future.
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Feb 19, 2019 11:58am
It was a great move of PTI not to invite the opposition. What opposition is doing in national assembly? After seeing their behaviour in assembly, it was an excellent move not to invite them. They don't deserve to be among the decent people until they are well behaved and speak like educated people.
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Feb 19, 2019 11:59am
It would be naive to expect Imran Khan making decisions. Rather he would have been instructed not to invite ..........
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Feb 19, 2019 12:03pm
MBS hates corrupt people. He didn't want to shake hands with thieves and robbers.
Also it would be shameful for us Pakistanis to present biggest looters and robbers as our representatives in front of honorable guests. This may damage
World is well aware of how Pakistan came onto the brink of bankruptcy.
How could it be possible for a resource rich country like Pakistan to fall into the trap of bankruptcy just within a decade, and the last 5 years of which were governed by so called business friendly PMLN.
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Feb 19, 2019 12:05pm
It's the right decision, Opposition is not serious in parliament to carry out legislative process, they do not feel interested in the matters of the state affair,and where only likely to disrupt the event. Opposition is behaving like a mischievous child.
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Feb 19, 2019 12:09pm
You introduce to your guests (they already knew it) the thieves! Unfortunately we never call spade a spade It is Democracy
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Feb 19, 2019 12:11pm
Why on earth would a sitting Prime Minister and his cabinet invite opposition parties to functions organized for visiting heads of state? In England do you see Theresa May inviting the leader of the opposition party and head of the Labour Party Jeremy Corbyn invited to Downing Street or Chequers Court when the leaders of other countries are being entertained? No, his job is to tackle the opposition in the Houses of Parliament. Also the Head of the PML-N is in jail, doing time for corruption, embezzlement and building an ill gotten property and business empire from assets beyond means. Shahbaz Sharif, Zardari and Bilawal are also implicated in various graft charges. How does that look in the eyes of the world media. It's best for them to worry about fighting their corruption charges in court, rather than involve themselves in the affairs of the state.
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Feb 19, 2019 12:12pm
@khurram, correct...If we really are interested in rebuilding the image of Pakistan...As a great nation...Need to make these corrupt politicians as people of bygone era...
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Feb 19, 2019 12:16pm
Nobody is speaking the Saudi perspective. Maybe MBS and his team didn't wanted to see these looters and plunderers
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Feb 19, 2019 12:17pm
Please note that our International community is well aware that both PPP and PMLN are corrupt to their core...On the contrary....the world community will appreciate that state has finally taken a stance to make these corrupt politicians accountable and give back what they have looted from our country...So no love lost.... Enjoy...,
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Feb 19, 2019 12:20pm
Why not, he was absolutely right. Presenting PPP or PMLN would have been misrepresenting Pakistan. Thugs can't be invited to such events.
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Feb 19, 2019 12:23pm
Good decision by IK. Corrupt people should be kept where they belong.
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Feb 19, 2019 12:29pm
Very well written and explained. A working relationship with the opposition is essential for democracy to flourish.
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Feb 19, 2019 12:30pm
Not khan but someone else has barred opposition from invitation
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Feb 19, 2019 12:31pm
Let see what happens my Dear colleges... let the PTI leaders move forward on there own way...
and Don't worry the situation will be that much panic at the end of 5 years.
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Feb 19, 2019 12:32pm
Parliamentary delegation led by Sadiq Sanjrani which comprised members from both government and opposition had met MBS and other Saudi dignitaries yesterday. Separate meetings for opposition leader and other politicians were unnecessary.
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Feb 19, 2019 12:49pm
@Pro Democracy , "What you expect from incompetent PTI government ?" Just to be less incompetent than PPP and PMLN.
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Feb 19, 2019 01:08pm
Very unfortunate.Thus lack of maturity is one of the reasons why we are unable to sustain all good initiatives both at domestic and international front as politicians take more pride in banking on non-political instituitions than strengthening political and democratic system and PTI is no different than the others.
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Feb 19, 2019 01:40pm
Their gov, their rules. Invitiations are the gov's prerogative. Besides, Nawaz and Zardari clan have no respect abroad. I as an overseas Pakistani can confirm.
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Feb 19, 2019 01:41pm
@Orakzai, then they have Pakistan's gratitude dear Sir. We wont accept old corrupt politicians in any case. Their turns are up.
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Feb 19, 2019 02:00pm
We all know the integrity of the opposition parties and their leaders, who are facing corruption cases. How come, accused Sabaz Sharif and Asif Zardari could represent Pakistan at an official capacity - in my view, it was correct decision to keep corrupt mafia and their cronies away from MBS high level visit. (ACP - Garib Awam ki Awaz).
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Feb 19, 2019 02:02pm
It's very simple. Corrupt leaders have no right to involve in such kind of meetings.
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Feb 19, 2019 02:32pm
When PTI was in opposition, its leaders vociferously opposed Saudi policies, like the bombing of Yemen and destruction of historical buildings. Perhaps they were scared that opposition members would tell the prince about this? In any case, why was Shireen Mazari absent from the proceedings?
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Feb 19, 2019 02:35pm
Hear hear! We've been immature at governance of the state for 71 years. Look across the border for parliamentary democracy at work. Not the best example but more mature. On important state visits by world leaders all ex PMs and leaders of opposition are invited and they hold separate talks with visitors.
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Feb 19, 2019 02:46pm
It is an unfortunate reality that our political leaders, both the new and the experienced, lack the maturity to handle such events.
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Feb 19, 2019 02:56pm
This is immaturity. IK must understand there are no permanent enemies in politics....
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Feb 19, 2019 04:33pm
How can you invite the criminals and looters to the most respectable gatherings of PTI government functions ?
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Feb 19, 2019 05:05pm
Pettiness produces petty leaders. IK should try to stand on higher ground.
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Feb 19, 2019 05:08pm
I understand where PTI is coming from. Just listen to the language which opposition uses.
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Feb 19, 2019 05:18pm
@Pro Democracy , I heard that he did not want to meet corrupt people.
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Feb 19, 2019 05:38pm
In all honesty should Nawaz and Zardari be allowed at such receptions. It will be a wrong decision when the cases against them show what wrongs they have done.
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Feb 19, 2019 05:59pm
Yeah that's right the looters or protectors of looters should have been invited.
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Feb 19, 2019 07:18pm
Were the Chaudhary's of Gujrat invited? Intention of the government is in the answer
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Feb 19, 2019 07:23pm
Don't agree. It was a welcome step by govt. There should be zero tolerance towards Thieves and crooks and the message from the top should be clear. How can you introduce a respectable guest to Zardari when the whole world is reading about his Laundering of billions every day? In New Pakistan, the thieves and crooks need to be cornered, embarrassed and called out rather facilitating them in the name of democracy.
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Feb 19, 2019 07:38pm
Show me one who should have been invited?!!!!!?
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Feb 19, 2019 07:41pm
@Real reason, Please differentiate the nature of the Visit by a Head of State
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Feb 19, 2019 07:46pm
No permission.
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Feb 19, 2019 08:44pm
@Gaz, did you go to the parliament
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Feb 19, 2019 08:52pm
Khan made the right choice....no need to have crooks sitting in on matters of national importance.
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Feb 19, 2019 09:33pm
Dawn is to be commended for pointing out the failure of the government for not inviting the opposition leaders and reminding IK that the Prince was not his personal guest but an invitee of the government and people of Pakistan.
Also agree with your lead writer that while relations with KSA are very important
and should be strengthened but not at the cost of damaging relations with
another brotherly country .Pakistan is grateful for the financial help it recieves from KSA but it should not be subservient and excessively obiesant as Pakistan is an independent and sovereign country and KSA also benefits for having Pakistan as an ally in a different ways.
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Feb 19, 2019 10:43pm
Following is a sensible advice:
"It would serve the PTI well to remember that the visiting Saudi delegation were a guest of the state and not personal friends of Mr Khan. The state, which is represented by its elected representatives, should have displayed more tolerance."
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Feb 19, 2019 11:57pm
This shows the absolute immaturity of PTI as a national party.
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Feb 20, 2019 01:00am
You were not at the barricades.
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Feb 20, 2019 04:44am
@Rashid Khan, Parliamentary delegation led by Sadiq Sanjrani had met MBS and other Saudi dignitaries yesterday. Separate meetings for opposition leader and other politicians were against the norms of protocol but I am sure, like always, logic never plays a part in the minds of opposition supporters.
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Feb 20, 2019 04:51am
Can't expect better from these narrow minded leaders
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Feb 20, 2019 09:01am
Now that MBS visit is over, PTI bashing should continue where it left off.......!
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Feb 20, 2019 10:59am
These plunderers and should not even be allowed in the parliament! Good job IK
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Feb 20, 2019 01:37pm
Imran Khan and PTI did the right thing, by not inviting criminals to the official receptions.
Why invite criminals under investigation to a state dinner in honor of a visiting head of state? It would have been an insult to the honorable guest and an embarrassment to the nation.
The so-called "opposition" politicians are all known looters and plunderers of nation's wealth. They have no business being in parliament.
The question that needs to be raised is: Why these criminals have not been fully brought to justice? Why the nation's looted money has not been recovered yet?
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