Morsi – who was thanked by the United States for helping to broker a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas – had been slated to join the Islamabad talks but state TV in Egypt said he would now stay home to monitor the truce.
In Pakistan, officials said they did not know why Morsi was no longer coming, but that Vice President Mahmud Mekki had arrived instead.
"The Egyptian vice president is representing his country at the summit on behalf of President Morsi, who is not coming," said one foreign ministry official on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak to the media.
"I don't know the reason for the change of plans by the Egyptian president at the 11th hour," he added.
Pakistan, which wants to use the D-8 to improve its international standing, had welcomed Morsi's prospective visit as the first by an Egyptian head of state in four decades.
World leaders hope the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas will offer at least temporary respite from bloodshed in Gaza and southern Israel.
Morsi, a leading member of Islamist group the Muslim Brotherhood, was elected in June in Egypt's first election since a popular revolt brought down secular strongman Hosni Mubarak.
He resigned from his Brotherhood-led party, the FJP, and vowed to represent all Egyptians, but his elevation raised concerns about Cairo's peace treaty with Israel and its ties with Hamas, part of the Brotherhood movement.
COMMENTS (36)
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It is clearly a conspiracy by Israel. What is their real motive behind agreeing to the ceasefire at this time?
President Morsi' sister just died, plus Gaza ceaesfire started yesterday. Have some respect and be aware of what has been happening in Gaza before passing sweeping judgements.
On the other hand Presidents of Indonesia, Nigeria, Iran, PM of Turkey and Vice President of Egypt have come to Pakistan. Pretty significant world leaders.
why was India not invited.it is having the worlds largest muslim population.
@M.S.Choudhury: You are right Mr Choudhury. We are ashamed of it .
His sister died yesterday and it makes sense he is not visiting. Head of states of Turkey,Iran,Nigeria,Indonesia are already here
@Brute Force, you are right our Bangladesh is not important in world politics and Pakistan is very important in world politics. There is nothing to be proud of the reasons you are important in world politics.Moharram is few days away, you have to block all mobile phone for three days,just see the level of tolerance you have.We will also have Moharram, all our Shia brothers will celebrate,we will not do anything to disturb their day. I strongly believe that most Pakistani brother are nice normal people but there are some brute minded people who are responsible for the present image of your beloved country
That's not an affront to Pakistan - just common sense - he's a mediator in a critical international dispute which takes priority over a Muslim trade summit.
People are promising to visit and but they later withdraw quietly.
I am sure BCCI is behind this.
In the days of General Musharraf the position of Pakistan was elevated and it had international standing in the comity of nations but now this nation will have to taste the fruits of so-called democracy and so-called free judiciary for at least another 10 years.
Amazing how the article and commentators are overlooking the simple fact that: President Morsi's sister died and he had to attend her funeral. Instead people are just using this an excuse for completely lame Pakistan-bashing. Tribune is a pathetic excuse for a newspaper!
@Rana: Me Tarzan me not Baboonish Troll! ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Actually Pakistan is ...ok leave it:)
Stay out of D-8 Summit by three important Muslim countries may cast shadow over the viability of this economic block. However, the government of Pakistan has not revealed statistics about the volume of foreign trade with member countries of this economic union perhaps due to bad performance of the economy in foreign sector.
It may seem a harsh diplomatic snub, but Morsi clearly much weightier and sensitive issues to deal with.
@Hello1
As the esteemed Mr. Z.A.Bhutto once said, "we will make our own A-bomb even if we have to eat grass". Pakistan already has A-bomb, now it is time to eat grass.
Baboonish trolls never spare a single chance to jump & yell, hence started celebrations regardless of having any concern with the matter or not.
Intelligent guy! Why waste precious time listening to useless sermons which nobody takes seriously?
@mr. righty rightist: 5 is still a large number........ the number will further reduce....wait and watch....
@Sam: Secular, moderate, liberal - Scared? Why are you scared of Islamist leaders inception in the country? You dear are clearly under the control of the fake media news about Islam. FYI kindly let me know about the miraculous endeavors of your "Secular Moderate Leaders"
And he was to address the joint session of the Parliament of Pakistan What a diplomatic snub
@BruteForce: North Koreans literally starved to death a couple of years back because of famine. Pakistan too is normally doing the rounds with a begging bowl. Can you have these nuclear weapons for lunch or dinner ? Sensible things to do: Spend more on education, develop infrastructure and check population growth.
@BruteForce:
Possibly he had to postpone due to death of his sister. And do yourself a favour, try to find what is D-8.
I urge everyone to understand the urgency of the Egyptian Presidents duties towards the cease fire +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ I am sure he will visit Pakistan some other time.
The situation in Israel and Palestine is more important than Pakistan's image.
At least North Korea is more disciplined and free of mullaism
Take it easy folks. President Mursi has sent his Vice President. Just respect his decision and move on. D8 is owned by all its member countries .. we are just hosting on our turn.
@BruteForce:
I think it intelligent for the Egyptian President to stay in Egypt becasue of the Gaza crisis. Secondly who cares if Bangladesh come or not....they have no importance in the world politics...
After witnessing fall of Hosni Mubarak, and fate of Saddam Hussein, Muammar Gaddafi along with their families how these puppets can sustain the pressure of America? Almost all Arab states are being driven by the American foreign policy along with KSA. According to present scenario our foreign office should not be held responsible in totality for situation. Our dilemma is not going to end soon!
Too much to say about a country called as "Forte of Islam".
His decision could be the result of Pakistan's silence over Israel's atrocities in Palestine. If it is, then I welcome this decision.
So does that make it D-5 Summit, instead of D-8?
Wake up Government of Pakistan. Wake up Foreign Office.
So... Russia, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Iran (Vice-President) and now Egypt. I think Pakistani officials should start insuring against foreign leaders' visit cancellations.
Looks like he has better thiings to do.....
Malaysia gone, Bangladesh gone, Egypt is now too gone..
OK, who is left.. Somalia? Afghanistan? Mali?
Heck, Pakistan is a nuclear power and that makes it a global power.. Just like North Korea..
Thank God, the only Islamist in the bunch of leaders, is not coming to our country.