NEW DELHI: Pakistan High Commissioner to India Abdul Basit said on Friday that Pakistan would welcome newly-elected Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who, he added, "struck a chord" with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, NDTV reported.
"Modi will be welcomed whenever he comes to Pakistan. We hope the high-level visit will take place," Basit said, while addressing members of the media at the press club in Delhi
Basit said that Prime Minister Nawaz had a good interaction with Modi in May at his inauguration in India.
The high commissioner said Pakistan was in touch with India for a meeting between their foreign secretaries. "We are in touch with each other and things are moving forward."
Saeed-Vaidik meeting
Meanwhile, Basit assured that the governments of both countries did not have any prior knowledge of the meeting between Jamaat-ud-Dawa leader Hafiz Saeed and Indian journalist, terming it "a private affair", according to The Hindu.
Basit maintained, “This was a meeting between two private citizens … it wouldn’t be appropriate for me to comment … our government was not aware and nor was the government of India,” he said.
Reports that Indian journalist Ved Pratap Vaidik met the JuD leader in Lahore on July 2 sparked controversy in India and caused uproar in the Lok Sabha.
“He was part of a 14 member delegation headed by Mani Shankar Aiyyar that went to attend a conference arranged by the Regional Peace Institute … he was given visa for that … he stayed back … along with a couple of others,” the high commissioner said.
Basit also maintained that Pakistan did not have any evidence against Saeed, who is wanted in India for allegedly masterminding the 26/11 attacks in Mumbai.
He added that although Saeed had been detained by the Pakistani government, no evidence was found against him.
Clarifying that no citizen can be put behind bars without any evidence, Basit urged those with hard evidence to come forth.
“We had detained him but we didn’t have any evidence on the basis of which we could try him … even if today someone has hard evidence…it should be shared," he said, adding that "we cannot put our citizens in jail only to please the world. We have a judicial process; so kindly try to look at things objectively,” said Basit.
Basit, however, refused to comment on the alleged judicial delays in the ongoing 26/11 trials in Pakistan saying that Pakistan is committed to bring justice in this case but proceedings take time. He pointed out that he would not mention the Samjhuta trials in India either.
COMMENTS (21)
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ
If there is a snake and a Pakistani - you know whom to trust.
@timorlane
Both indians and afghans beg to differ. Isn't pakistan the one spreading terrorism in both India, Afghanistan and currently China too?
@Raj - USA: @A J KHAN
The two exchanged their knowledge about their native ancestors, and the fact that the waziris are caucasian people who are foreign for them Mr Modi also assured the PM that Indian military will not open up any new front along the lines of control when Pakistan army start its operations in KPK territories. Is it difficult to speculate?
Rex Minor
They keep flattering Indians while they keep insulting and accusing Pakistan and stealing Pakistan's water besides sponsoring terrorism in Pakistan from Afghanistan
@ModiFied: The correct phrase is "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam"
@Bewildered: It is so easy for naive commentators like us to criticize those who have topped civil service exams and got years after years experience to represent Pakistan. A diplomatic keeps an eye on so many things when they speak.
@Sheena Haider: Amen dear. I am hoping for the day when we the citizens of India and Pakistan can travel without borders and permit. from Afghanistan to Bangladesh and maybe beyond we can have open borders like EU and many South Asian nations. Time to burry past differences and mistakes. Whats done is done :)
This whole "BRICS bank" stuff is sort of upsetting to me, as a true Pakistani. I mean, I'm sure it doesn't mean all that much (after all, India and South Africa are members). Still, I feel bad that Pakistan is being left out and stuff. Now, don't get me wrong. We don't need this bank. Whenever we need money, America will give it to us (thank you, USA!). Still, why doesn't China support our inclusion into this cool-ish group? I propose that BRICS be converted to BRICPS (i.e., it includes Pakistan). The "P" can even be a subscript, so it's clear that we're there to basically support China. Ok? Please let's do this.
No way. India is our rival.
Haven't we learned from history that our people should never trust an Indian?
"Prime ministers Nawaz, Modi 'struck a chord', says Pakistan's envoy to India"
Why wouldn't they? If one party is happily willing to bend over the back to please the other and let him completely off the hook without any return for the favor. Who gets a deal like that? More importantly, who gives a deal like that in the age of Realpolitik.
"Meanwhile, Basit assured that the governments of both countries did not have any prior knowledge of the meeting between Jamaat-ud-Dawa leader Hafiz Saeed and Indian journalist..."
How could he speak for Indian Government, while he is only entitled to speak for the country he represents. This guy does not possess even the basic diplomatic skills or manners. No wonder why we are in diplomatic mess all over the world, if this is the capability of one of our most senior Foreign Office diplomats.
Abdul basit sir, If he's so innocent please explain why has he and his organisation has been banned and sanctioned and named as terror organisation by USA,UK,UN,Europe,Russia,Australia and india? why did you detain him if he had no connection with Mumbai event? Please stop this eyewash... Breeding snakes to bite others(neighbours) have come to bite you look at the state of affairs in your country. The strategy of "deep state" have ruined you more than your neighbours wizen up and rectify your mistakes before it's too late..
@ Sheena Haider : "If Pakistan wants to be a world player " If Pakistan wants to be a world player, she must learn to be sensitive to the views of non Muslims. Looking at everything through Muslim prism is not going get Pakistan that role. While at BRICS, Modi invoked the famous India saying; " Vasudhara Kutumbkam" ( whole world is one family). I want to hear similar words from Muslim leaders. How come Muslims come in streets only when Israel ponds Gaza and not when ISIS murders innocent Muslims?
Modi is not duplicitous like congress leaders. He is a clear header no non sense leader. He will like to have a transparent relation with Pakistan. Pakistan saying one thing and doing another through so called non sate actors is not going to work with Modi. Modi has already opened his cards at international level. He wants that India under him must play bigger role at world stage. Glimpse of his vision were laid down at recently held BRICS meeting in Brazil. Modi is a forward looking man and not the one who will keep on harping on the past. Modi is a man of heart more than of mind. He dreams big and works on his dreams.
IF Pakistan wants to enter the 21st Century then India & Pakistan must work on strengthening their bond. If Pakistan wants to be a world player it must eliminate the religious terrorists so security is presented to the many corporations from abroad that want to enter the job market in Pakistan just think the thousands of men and women that would be involved, some can travel to foreign universities for higher education. Infrastructure could be improved for areas outside main cities. There is more benefit for Pakistanis than negatives to improve the security situation but change can only happen if WE THE PEOPLE demand it ! The time is NOW if we miss this opportunity then Pakistan is doomed!
"Since NS is back from India, there have been significant changes. Pakistan army decided to take actions against TTP, including Haqqanis. They are cracking down on banned outfit person etc. Seem like Modi magic has worked on NS."'
Correctly said and good observation.
Welcome Neighbor.
I am sure they have. Since NS is back from India, there have been significant changes. Pakistan army decided to take actions against TTP, including Haqqanis. They are cracking down on banned outfit person etc. Seem like Modi magic has worked on NS.
Alhamadilulah !