No decision yet on PM invitation for Modi’s oath-taking: FO
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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.
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On DawnNews
Comments (106) Closed
May 22, 2014 11:37am
As a good will gesture, PM must accept the invitation.
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May 22, 2014 11:39am
They won't let him go!
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May 22, 2014 11:40am
"the prime minister on the invitation after consultations with
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May 22, 2014 11:48am
From India I can guess he will send president Mamnoon Husyein
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May 22, 2014 12:01pm
Pakistan must focus on strengthening its democratic powers and weakening the military dominance then only the nation will grow economically and prosper. for giving power to people than military you need a great intervention and small changes in constitutional content which will help growth of pakistan and may become one of the respected nation. this can be well supported by NAMO
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May 22, 2014 12:26pm
may be a good time to test those shiny new BMWs Sahib...
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May 22, 2014 12:28pm
Mr Sharif you must go.
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May 22, 2014 12:30pm
NS should go. Good chance for him to promote his Sugar, Dairy and Steel business in India.
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May 22, 2014 12:34pm
Why nawaz sharif is playing hard now, when he is dying to go to india.
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May 22, 2014 12:34pm
Why nawaz sharif is playing hard now, when he is dying to go to india.
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May 22, 2014 12:41pm
naukar ji tey nakhra ki
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May 22, 2014 12:53pm
it would be a great step towards peace process. Mr. Sharif should accept it. India has taken a step forward. Now its Pakistan's call.
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May 22, 2014 12:56pm
With all his fascist aura and Hindu extremist fright, Mr. Modi is just a paper tiger who is responsible for killing innocent and unarmed Muslims. There is no hurry to honor him any further till you have put your house in order and strengthened your armed forces.
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May 22, 2014 01:21pm
What is there to hesitate. Simply say "NO", as there will no change in relations, will always remain arch enemies. Just formal meetings will be there after as before by the foreign ministers. Pakistan again and again will raise the issue of "K"in international forum, and United States will state" dialogue" can only resolve the matter.
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May 22, 2014 01:22pm
sharif coming to India doesnt mean we will spare pak...
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May 22, 2014 01:29pm
Modi is making a subtle move.
PM must understand that accepting this invitation will ratify his Gujarat Genocide.
Lets see who is the smarter player...
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May 22, 2014 01:38pm
Provided oath taking ceremony is done at a neutral venue for example UAE. Lolz...
we should call a cabinet meeting and of all religious and feudal parties to decide on the issue...
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May 22, 2014 01:49pm
Our PM will go there (with his team of...) even if he is not invited.
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May 22, 2014 01:51pm
Confusing situation for Mr. Sharif, whether reply to invite or send someone to balance. Very tricky and awkward event, even if he can't attend still long journey ahead.
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May 22, 2014 02:14pm
This hesitation has already given Mr Modi an edge. All other SAARC countries have already accepted, Making Pakistan look a bit flat footed.
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May 22, 2014 02:16pm
Peace and prosperity is the need of the hour for both the nations. Hope Nawaz Sharif goes to India for the swearing in ceremony. Even if he is unable to go, Pakistan should send a someone at his behest. Say an important member of his cabinet.
Hope this is a start of a new beginning.
The countries need channels of smooth dialogue between them especially with the time of American withdrawl coming soon.
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May 22, 2014 02:23pm
Accept it Mr. Sherif...Let it be a new beginning for the people of both countries. Do not under estimate NAMO. He could well be Ist Indian leader who could break the dead lock. Without any perceptions accept him...
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May 22, 2014 02:32pm
The Army won't let it happen. Peace means less Budget Defence. Simple as that. Our problem since inception.
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May 22, 2014 02:32pm
The PM of Pakistan can accept the invitation "after consultations with stakeholders"??? He is the Prime Minister of Pakistan
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May 22, 2014 03:05pm
Modi has called NS....and he should not disobey him...!
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May 22, 2014 03:06pm
Nawaj sarif had invited Manmonhan Sing when he took oath as a PM, But Manmohan Sing did not come. Sarif should also not go this time. Show indian tit for tat message. Anyway Modi must have some game plan in this invitation also. He has accused paskitan for all India problems before.
Modi is very cleaver politicians and beware of him
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May 22, 2014 03:08pm
The whole world knows who is the real stake holder in Pakistan. Nawaz Sharif urgently needs to follow an independent and pragmatic foreign policy with India and rein its military to stop exporting terrorism, otherwise it might be curtains for Pakistan. However, it would be a good start for Sharif to come to India as all political parties including APHC members have welcomed Modi's move to invite the Pak PM.
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May 22, 2014 03:22pm
Modi just bowled his first ball. Now it is Sharif's batting time to take on or leave it or bat it. It may turn out to be 4, 6, 1, 2, 3 & even 5 runs or lbw, or bowled or caught or caught behind - let us see what happens according to the rules of the game!!!
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May 22, 2014 03:40pm
For Peace sake , god sake , Make your Pm go to invitation. I am Indian first time quoting on Dawn. Wars are costly , but PEACE is price -less
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May 22, 2014 03:41pm
@Kahkashan
You mean the army? Possible.
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May 22, 2014 03:43pm
@Khangul
Do you understand what a paper tiger means?
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May 22, 2014 03:44pm
@El Cid
Listen man, do not come. Tell your people, your artists and actors and actresses, not to come to India ever. Tell your sick patients to go to Japan for their treatment. Who cares what you people think of Modi?
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May 22, 2014 03:46pm
@El Cid
Of course you are smarter. You were hiding OBL in your backyard and asking money from the Americans to fight the terror.
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May 22, 2014 03:48pm
@Navneet Sharma Looks like you lost a lot of family in Mumbai 26/11. Thats why you are so bitter. My condolences. Allah sabr de aap ko. Ameen.
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May 22, 2014 03:58pm
I see both nations somewhat emotional. A prine minister needs to make sure the schedule is open and a secured arrangement could be made. So chill and let it be arranged. Good start by Modi
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May 22, 2014 04:21pm
Pls do not come to India
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May 22, 2014 04:28pm
After Thailand episode, i do not think Mr. Sharif will go. Point is strong, when invited in his swearing in ceremony, Indian government sent high commissioner so it seems logical that Pakistan high commissioner in Delhi will represent PM.
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May 22, 2014 04:29pm
@Zohaib UAE! Seriously! it would be better if you use your brain elsewhere.
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May 22, 2014 04:42pm
Answer seriously by all media and great thinkers, Which Muslim country is feared with and have an image of good governance with best utilization of its man power, natural resources, industrialization, latest wisdom and knowledge in all fields of space, engineering, IT and nuclear achievements and having its people participation in all decisions. A country having complete unison in its rank and files can never be defeated.
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May 22, 2014 04:44pm
Mat aao, please.
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May 22, 2014 04:45pm
Dare we not accept?
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May 22, 2014 04:48pm
what you have got to loose nothing... one day we all be gone...Remembering that I'll be dead soon is the most important tool I've ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything - all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure - these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important.
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May 22, 2014 04:53pm
Looks like Mod has good set of advisors who have studied world politics well. Modi is trying be regional leader of South Asia, and want to represent the region, not just India. He wants to be the face of Southa Asia for the world.
Sometimes it is good to be practical and it is in your own interest to join him, and get your share of gains. It is like being Advani, who couldn't be PM but he accepted Modi as PM and will get some decent post in the cabinet.
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May 22, 2014 04:56pm
@Sarcastic Muslim ... their marutis are indigenous comparing to BMW s. That is what makes them proud Indians
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May 22, 2014 04:57pm
The corrupt people will run to india to eat free lunch and dinner
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May 22, 2014 05:01pm
@Navneet Sharma : What about Hameed Gul to represent him?
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May 22, 2014 05:01pm
@yusufkhan absolutely must go... not to India but away from politics
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May 22, 2014 05:04pm
@Khangul fact of life... the big fish eats the small one. unless you develop the skill to be elusive...
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May 22, 2014 05:07pm
@Gaurav Arya.... yes i did... those holding the stakes... specially the rib eyes and t bone...
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May 22, 2014 05:09pm
@KRana : Hamid Mir is a better choice
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May 22, 2014 05:09pm
i think shahbaz will be the choice.
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May 22, 2014 05:15pm
@T. M. Reddy : too much of IPL? :)
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May 22, 2014 05:47pm
@Khangul Dont be as skeptical as the "stakeholders" of Pakistan. Atleast, sane public should show good sense and provide support to NS on his India visit . Pl. remember "stakeholders" pump in "other" elements without India ever wanting them. Then why not let NS visit a state guest?
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May 22, 2014 05:53pm
What is the big fuss about it?? All SAARC leaders have been invited.. Nawaz Sharif included.. This is the best opportunity to make a fresh start.. Even Germany and Japan became friendly with the west after being almost destroyed in WWII.. We have to leave the past behind and start afresh.. Only then progress will be made.. Otherwise we will keep fighting forever
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May 22, 2014 05:53pm
@Abdula Sipai Eye for an eye will make the whole world blind. Dont be skeptical - support your PM to step over . BTW, Manmohan as PM may not have come to visit Pakistan; but truly his heart lies in his village now in Pakistan. I am sure Manmohan will surely visit Pakistan - if allowed may stay on month long vacation:-)
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May 22, 2014 06:04pm
"....Earlier, diplomatic sources had said that a decision would be taken by the prime minister on the invitation after consultations with 'stakeholders'.....". In Pakistan, the 'stakeholders' = Army... Period.
If the Army gives green signal to visit India, Mian Nawaz will go to Delhi...smiling and waving hands.... Otherwise, he will be forced to sit back in Islamabad....disappointed.
Yeh Public hai...jo sab jaanti hai......public hai....... :)
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May 22, 2014 06:12pm
@T. M. Reddy " Don`t forget match fixing"
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May 22, 2014 06:28pm
Benefits of visit to New Delhi by Mian Nawaz - (1) It will show positive intent on the part of Pakistan for future peace proposals, (2) Priceless opportunity to interact with other SAARC members in bilateral meetings in New Delhi, e.g. Hamid Karzai, Mahinda Rajapaksa, etc. (3) Some unexpected pleasant announcement could be made by Mr Modi, kickstarting peace process. (4) On the world stage, Pakistan will be seen as a nation which never will loose an opportunity to walk an extra mile in search of peace. (6) A good opportunity for Pakistan to interact with Indian businessmen and with the Chambers of Commerce & Industry of India, to garner some trade & business benefits for Pakistan. (7) May even club in religious pilgrimage to Ajmer Sharief with this visit.
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May 22, 2014 06:43pm
@Abdula Sipai Dear Bhai, Manmohan singh was the Robot of Sonia Gandhi. Please dont think that our Modi ji is playing a game. He had to use pakistan's name to garner support. He needed an excuse to unite all India's. And a lot of Indians like me see this move as a way to unite Indians to kick out congress. Please all pakistanis, ask your PM to visit our country.
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May 22, 2014 06:51pm
I dont think he should go. As said earlier in his oath taking ceremony a HC was present , so should be the case here.
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May 22, 2014 06:59pm
The PM of Pakistan should accept the invitation for what it is.His advisers should not see something sinister in it. People change and if the leaders on both sides carry an olive branch the living conditions of the millions of people will definitely get better. For too long they have lived in stark poverty and squalor. They deserve better; at least the basic necessities. Will the leaders on both side of the border rise to make good on their promises!
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May 22, 2014 07:20pm
Going back to old days when an emperor would nominate his successor the local warlord will pay visit in honor to that. So pathetic and dramatic. Chin up and feel proud of your self. You don't need to go to any "Shahi Mujra".
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May 22, 2014 07:30pm
@guddi Modi!
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May 22, 2014 07:42pm
@Rahul Please recall Modi's election rhetoric and venom against Pakistan and the Muslims in India and I am sure you will understand our sentiments. Pevaiz Musharaf crossed half of the hall and shook hand with you ex-PM; of no avail. NS invited your outgoing PM for his inauguration and was refused. If this is not arrogance that what is it?
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May 22, 2014 07:44pm
@khanm Or when you are equally strong. Believe me we are getting there.
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May 22, 2014 07:47pm
@ST Bangladesh, 1971 . We were bent over and broken up into two by India.
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May 22, 2014 07:55pm
Good. Even if the PM goes, due reluctance must be shown first. No harm is keeping the Indians guessing.
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May 22, 2014 08:40pm
Nawaz must visit India which will help in improving the relations.
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May 22, 2014 08:45pm
Going to India and not mentioning Gujrat genocide and HR violations in IHK will demoralise our Muslim brothers across the border. Mentioning them in public will annoy an extremist Modi. Sending the President or Shahbaz Sharif with instructions to avoid the India media or utter some mumbo jumbo on these two issues might be the best answer.
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May 22, 2014 08:58pm
pm should go there for gud relations
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May 22, 2014 08:59pm
Just simple... Waiting for permission for chess players!
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May 22, 2014 09:22pm
@guddi just don't give them visas it's as simple.
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May 22, 2014 09:31pm
I do think this animosity between the people of Pakistan and India needs to come to a HALT after all their right next to each other and it would really help if they could just peacefully go about their business without holding so many years of misunderstandings ... I really don't think Nawaz should go and its not because I don't believe in peace or overcoming the lame disagreements but rather I just don't think it's the right time and venue for the leader of one country to be in attendance for a foe country inauguration when so many issues are un resolved. this is precisely why the Indian premier declined Nawaz sharif's inauguration invitation. let the people of both countries vote for changes and hopefully in a few decades they'll make strides for improvements on many issues but this inauguration invitation is a joke and especially if the notorious misleading indian media is reporting it as a serious overture by the new indian govt yet to take office ..
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May 22, 2014 09:37pm
NS should come 2 India. His statesmanship as Pak PM will be appreciated by world,
If not coming then wrong message will go and situation will be like BIG-3 Issue
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May 22, 2014 09:41pm
Keep up this attitude - and you will have no friends left!
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May 22, 2014 09:41pm
I am Pakistani hindu and as most people here I believe it is a good gesture from indian side and Nawaz Sharif should go to build on this.
I would also like like DAWN moderators to look at some of the comments supposedly coming from India which are very arrogant and destructive without adding anything useful to discussion.
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May 22, 2014 10:07pm
I think the Pakistan PM should accept the invitation. If this would not be accepted, the whole relationship building itself will start on a wrong foot, and I think India for the first time after Mrs. Indira Gandhi has got one of its strongest leaders. Pakistan is yet to produce a strong leader like those Indians, and Mr. Shareef, should also become equally strong by accepting it boldly. If he does not turn up there then Mr. Modi will get the signal that Mr. Shareef is a weak leader run by the military.
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May 22, 2014 10:27pm
Indians are very hospitable and nice and talented nation. If they have invited than Nawaz must go.
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May 22, 2014 10:28pm
diplomatic sources had said that a decision would be taken by the prime minister on the invitation after consultations with
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May 22, 2014 10:28pm
@gary: "asking money from the Americans to fight the terror."
Begging ?
You got to be kidding me !
The US owes Pakistan over $110Billion and counting, as accrued cost of fighting America's war on its soil.
And note that there was NO terror till the American's invented it and 'False Flagged' it into Pakistan.
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May 22, 2014 10:43pm
Nawaz Sharif will run to attend the invitation. He actually has to gain political points in Pakistan for normalizing relations with India.
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May 22, 2014 10:51pm
Lady! You have a knack for uttering right things
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May 22, 2014 11:04pm
I think a dignified response to invitation would be to offer a high ranking official to attend the ceremony, instead of PM of Pakistan. Modi has blood of 1,000 muslims on his hands. Proven in Indian courts. Don't get into his tent without knowing him well.
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May 22, 2014 11:29pm
whenever peace talks derail between the two arch rivals, Pakistan initiates to resume talks. PM has already congratulated him with invitation to visit Pakistan. Now when India has extended invitations to the rulers of neighbor countries to attend the oath ceremony, PM should participate and will participate.
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May 22, 2014 11:58pm
@Abdula Sipai
Modi invited all SAARC leaders. But he didn't spell that out explicitly as inviting SAARC leaders. This will allow Sharif to make the trip claiming SAARC and also have Namo claim it as a valid visit showing that he is reaching out. I am sure there will be no other meeting after this with Modi considering the situation on the ground.
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May 23, 2014 12:54am
@kashif ---LOL
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May 23, 2014 01:30am
@Sunil
Typical Pakistan FO. His bags are already packed but the confirmation will go out when the plane takes off.
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May 23, 2014 02:36am
"No decision yet on PM invitation for Modi
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May 23, 2014 03:57am
This is a make or break situation with regards to India Pak relations ....Modi now has so much power , I'm talking epic proportions....He has put forward his hand for Pakistan to seize.....and I'm pretty sure he'll do that just once ....Sharif's acceptance to this invitation will be seen as Pakistan's will to make peace and move forward...Non acceptance of the invitation will send a message to Modi that Pakistan will need to be handled the tough way.....I for one would hate to be in Sharif's shoes...
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May 23, 2014 04:04am
@Virat hope so even this will not happen,
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May 23, 2014 04:21am
@Khangul . Brother do you live in a dream land or what. When people are killed be it hindu or muslims, sikh its because of stupid leaders we follow and Stop blaming Modi you sound like my fellow indians who always blame isi for there problems.So unless that is true then modi is responsible as ISI is responsible for all indian problems. By the way he won the majority that means even the muslims in india voted for him so think before making comments.
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May 23, 2014 04:57am
It is sorry state of decision making channel as the decision could not be taken so far where as all othere SAARC heads given their nod to attend the ceremony within 24 hours. This clearly shows that the either the Army chief or ISI not giving their nod to PM. Ultimately the NS would send his junior officer to India for face saving.
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May 23, 2014 04:59am
@Junaid when was that proved. actually every investigation launched by highly vindictive congress party came out with acquittal.
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May 23, 2014 05:15am
@Ramesh Kumar - I agree with you Ramesh. But there are highly emotional people on our side of the border too. SO far as the invitation is concerned I think it would be better to accept it and be there. Pakistan would stand to lose more by not going when all the heads of SAARC members states are present. Even if India's head of state had turned down our invitation Nawaz Sharif should go.
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May 23, 2014 05:42am
@Kahkashan Who is they?
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May 23, 2014 05:44am
@Khangul Ho many muslims have been killed in Pakistan in the last one year?
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May 23, 2014 05:46am
@Akram We were talking about our Baloch brothers.
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May 23, 2014 06:17am
What a master move from Modi!! Peace ball in Pak's court. Now their loud mouths which have been accusing India of derailing peace talks have shut once and for all. But wait, I wonder who "shareholders" are? Come on Pak, show it that you are serious on peace!!
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May 23, 2014 07:10am
@Khangul For your information Muslim mobs set a train on fire killing hundreds of Hindus in their own land triggering angry riots. MODI has been cleared by the supreme courts of India of any involvment
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May 23, 2014 07:48am
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May 23, 2014 08:05am
I feel that PM should profusely thank PM designate for the invitation, "visiting India", perhaps , will sent wrong signals to both countries.Problems will not be solved immediately , they are complex to the core, let us not be too much eager to solve these problems just because there is a change in the government.New PM is certainly more practical, direct , decisive.Let us hope we both prosper keeping our values intact.
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May 23, 2014 10:24am
It will be beneficial for both the countries.
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May 23, 2014 02:51pm
@Kahkashan If Sharif doesn't go, there'll be no Modi visit to Pakistan!
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May 24, 2014 03:09am
Still no Decision
+++++++++++++
Modi might withdraw Invite!
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May 24, 2014 07:43am
Give peace a chance.
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May 24, 2014 01:17pm
@Junaid Highest Court of the nation has not found an iota of evidence against Mr Modi and moreover Muslims have overwhelmingly voted in favor of Mr Modi. Don't spread false propaganda against Mr Modi.
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