The invite, as well as recent comments from Mr Modi, suggests he is not averse to a good working relationship with Islamabad. PHOTO: AFP/FILE
Mr Sharif has, of course, consistently sought good ties with India and the invitation to the Rashtrapati Bhavan appears to offer a valuable opportunity that should not be missed, especially with a new government in India. Similar invitations have gone out to all South Asian leaders and many, it seems, will be present at the ceremony. Mr Modi may have created controversy around the world with his actions in the past. But the fact is that, like all other countries, Pakistan will need to deal with his presence as the Indian head of government for the next five years. In this sense, it would be logical for Mr Sharif to accept with good grace this symbolic hand of friendship that has come his way from New Delhi.
The future, of course, is as yet undetermined. Many things are to be decided and foreign policy to some degree will evolve as the new government in India lays out its plans. It seems, however, that as far as its neighbour to the west is concerned, the BJP may be having a change of heart. The signs that it is willing to alter its policies is a good omen. Mr Modi’s harsh attacks on Pakistan and on Muslims in India cannot, of course, be entirely forgotten. But, as they say, the practicalities of life have to go on and when a good offer comes Pakistan’s way, it would seem wise to accept it. This is what Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif seems to do as he embarks on what will be a new journey in terms of relations with India. For the people of both countries, we must hope this journey goes well.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 23rd, 2014.
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COMMENTS (21)
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@Anita: While giving speeches Modi has not left even places holy to good natured Gujarati Hindus to call Muslims names in the hope of consolidating of Hindu vote bank; and sad to say the ploy paid dividends.I can understand the fatigue that Modi's defenders feel.Constant criticism leads to apathy bordering on antipathy towards detractors. The conscience of his blind defenders gets atrophied, the spirit brutalised. Mechanically they reel off some figures some facts some propaganda: how many in train,how many dead in riot don't forget Hindu numbers, haven't killed for 12 years, justice done, so many convicted, what's Pakistan's minority-record,why hajj subsidy, even after killed, Muslims make babies.Haven't they voted for us now? And above all Development. From Muslim pov: Sadkon pe ghumta hai karavaan hamara, Maalum kyaa kisiko, dard e nihaan hamara,Yeh Development hai hamara:-Rehne ko ghar nahin per Hindostan hamara..
@ Sridhar: how can Indian Mislims come out of their Ghettoes when they are so blatantly discriminated? They cannot buy or rent in Hindu localities, they are refused bank loans, their applications for jobs are turned down ...and now there is a Prime Minister who actively organised a pogrom in his own state against them. Mr. Modi may talk of developmemt and shining India but the ground realites are different.
Dear Ageless: Please do not be in a state of denial. We remember only too well the 'Miah Mussaraf' references in Modi's speeches during his election campaign following the violence in Gujarat in 2002. It was a euphemism for Indian Muslims. It was only after his visa to the US and Europe was refused thst Mr. Modi decided to change tack and tone down his comments. His close adviser Amit Shah has not. Neither has the VHP, the Bajrang Dal, Sangh Parivar and hte Shiv Sena. If you think Modi's record on development is more important than his record on Human Rights, that is your view but please do not attempt to whitewash his historical hatred of Imdia's Muslims and his determination to relegate them to third-class satus.
@TheAgeless: @gp65: I am an admirer of Mr. Modi's. But, it would be dishonest, even hypocritical, to deny that occasionally he has referred to Muslims in general and to Indian Muslims in particular in less than laudatory terms, especially when overwhelming majority of non-Muslims, this commentator included, agrees with him in all such references. In all such cases, Muslims should not feign injury but reflect on the fairness, or otherwise, of such references and take such curative measures that may be warranted. For example, his famous take-off - "Hum paanch, Hamaare pachees" - on the family planning slogan "Hum do, Hamare do" - is generally accepted by vast majority across the non-Muslim world to be a fair and factual characterization of reckless demographic proliferation of Muslims. This issue impinges upon the progress and prosperity of societies with Muslim minorities. Shying away from such factual history is not only demagogy but defeats the very purpose and desirability of an honest discussion of issues.
Pakistanis need to give up the baggage of Gujarat riots. A little bit of research will show that hindus in Pakistan continue to live under the boot strap of the muslims, not getting any peace even in their burial place (where bodies are often desecrated). Pakistan has, through coercion, changed the demography of minorities who are now so pitifully low that they dare not even protest. In India too, majority of the hindu-muslim riots have been engineered by Congress and have happened during the congress rule. Congress has carefully cultivated the image of "protector" of minorities, all the while putting fear pscyhosis, keeping them dependent and garnering votes in the process. This is famously called "vote bank" politics in Indian political circles. This has affected muslims more than other minorities as they continue to be held hostage to the past (especially north indian muslims ;south indian muslims fare much better). Indian muslims are a big minority with various interest groups protecting their interests. The biggest protection is by the Constitution upheld by the Supreme Court. This also entails a great responsibility for the IMs. They need to come out of their "ghetto" existence, their dependence on doles (that congress has been handing out in the past) and be ready to take advantage of the new economic opportunities that will be created. Are they up to it? I am not sure.
@rakib she's right not once did modi use religious hatred or name religion in the election. In fact he always talked about 1.2billion indians economy and their future. Or international terror threat we face, or illegal immigrants. Any person who made comment otherwise on religion was chastised by him as "some people posing as party well wisher making moronic statement are damaging our credibility than being helpful" now if you bring 14 years old tape where he said no remorse or any other statement too he never said hate or target this religion even 14years back. You can accuse his past as him being indifferent,casual. But during election it was economy.
@Rakib: Thank you for your suggestion, but I have been a pretty decent follower of Indian Politics for long and haven't come across any single statement made by modi against muslims, and so have some others on this thread who have raised the same point. I am even ready to be 'embarrassed' if, like you said, someone points me to one. The people in pakistan are being fed with a view of modi by these kinds of writers, and there have been Indian journos too who write in Pak dailies against modi. But alas, the ground realities in India is very different as evident by the election results
Pakistani nation has to realize that India is big brother after 14th.August 1947, more so after 1971. That Pakistan has to eat humble pie. Sooner we realize this simple fact the better. Pakistan is nowhere near India, so there is no use for even to think about comparing. In fact we have a lot to learn from them. Playing younger brother is better than trying to play equal. The Pakistan state, the Pakistan army, Pakistan establishment, Pakistan politicians, everyone and anyone who wields power or thinks of wielding power should understand this simple fact. We can get much more out of India by playing younger brother, than trying to negotiate Kashmir, trying to negotiate water problems, trying to negotiate economics, so on and so forth. Yes Nawaz Shariff should definitely go to India, and be well prepared, to answer questions about Mumbai Nov. 2008. That is what he will be asked.
@TheAgeless: A suggestion:-Please don't go about throwing challenges on Internet especially about Modi's comments on Muslims. Why invite embarrassment? Don't underestimate ability of others to have saved information/transcripts & kept at their instant command.
Given the state of our relations any baby step in the right direction is welcome .
All other SAARC heads accepted invitation without much thinking but it is only pakistan that seem to want some kind of talk which India is not so keen on.Remember it is just a photo ops and nothing else and expecting anything from India is foolishness,btw if pakistan PM does not go himself and send other as replacement then he will be singled out in SAARC and in World.So India just send out invitation to all SAARC members therefore pakistan cannot expect special treatment.It is just a goodwill gesture from Modi and nothing else and pakistan should grab this rare opportunity.
Why do we have to worry about Muslims of other countries, when muslims in our own country are not safe. Shias are being massacred, some 66000 pakistanis have been killed by the taliban in the past 10 years; Yet I don't see anybody saying pakistan is an anti-muslim country, presumably so because it is considered acceptable if the murderers are our own people. Muslims in India are light years ahead of muslims in pakistan. We must gear up and resist this right wing mentality of rejecting all peace talks with the indian government. Above all, as soon as Nawaz sets off for india, you'll see the mullahs crying foul, somebody please ask them why do they then still advocate dialogue with the taliban, murderers of 66000 pakistanis. Ironically, the same mullahs also claim that the taliban are funded by "foreign" elements, yet come out in their defence at the slightest hint of military operations. Lastly, the armed forces must ward off their hawkish doctrines too. too many young men are dying in temperatures of -50 degree C for defending a system that facilitates death of 66000 people, rather than spending on offensive systems against india, we must curb the devil within.
" ... Mr Modi’s harsh attacks on Pakistan and on Muslims in India cannot, of course, be entirely forgotten. ... "
Muslims can not forget Gujarat. I agree. Probably that is why there have not been any new riots.
Mr. Sharif (COAS), Please let Mr. Sharif (PM) travel to India.
There is nothing in the invitation that hints at altering any policy, reading too much is speculation.
"Mr Modi’s harsh attacks on Pakistan and on Muslims in India cannot, of course"
Please provide one actual quote from Modi where he attacks Indian Muslims - even one. You cannot. Such statements in an editorial without fact checking are irresponsible.
Agree with your suggestion. vHope the Military establishment does not object to Mr Sharif visiting and meeting with Mr Modi along with other SAARC leaders. Both Mr Modi and Mr Sharif are pro business and that would be a common ground. Indian stock market is a leading indicator of things to come and Pakistan should join the bandwagon. Do remember Mr Sharif has declared himself to be a defender of Muslim faith. Mr Sharif is no different than Mr Modi. Instead of wishy-washy policies of Congress, Mr Modi has a clear majority representing all parts of the country. It is a win-win opportunity. At present Mr Sharif is going in-circles perhaps checkmated by his Military.
Pathetic editorial.... Why would you bring the same topic every time you print for Modi.. you really not have to worry about Indian Muslim...
That is the mentality you have which would not go soon...
It is all well and good. But if you pakistanis have any thought of getting Kashmir because of the invitation, please take that big pot off the stove right the way. It isn't happening, EVER.!!!