ISLAMABAD: In “solidarity” with victims of the terrorist attack in Lahore, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif cancelled on Monday his upcoming visit to the United States to attend the Nuclear Security Summit.

The Foreign Office made the announcement hours before the prime minister was scheduled to depart for the trip.

“In view of the terrorist attack in Lahore, which took a heavy toll on the lives of innocent citizens of Pakistan and caused injuries to scores of people, the prime minister has decided to cancel his visit to Washington to attend the Nuclear Security Summit,” it said.

The Pakistani delegation to the summit will now be led by Tariq Fatemi, special assistant to the prime minister.

Speaking to Dawn, an official said that the decision was taken purely because of the pressing domestic situation and the country’s commitment to nuclear security would continue.

Our Correspondent in Washington adds: Pakistan’s Ambassador in US Jalil Abbas Jilani told Dawn that “Pakistan attaches highest importance to the Nuclear Security Summit process” and Prime Minister Sharif was “looking forward to an active participation in it”.

“Besides showing solidarity with the families of victims, the prime minister also wants to personally lead the government’s efforts to ensure the safety and security of people in Pakistan,” he said.

In a statement sent to media representatives in Washington, the embassy pointed out that the attack “took a heavy toll on the lives of innocent citizens of Pakistan,” causing the prime minister to take this decision.

The summit is bringing leaders from more than 50 countries to the US capital.

The prime minister had planned to stay till April 3, as there was also a possibility of a bilateral meeting with his Indian counterpart on the sidelines of the summit.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is reaching Washington on Wednesday night.

Published in Dawn, March 29th, 2016