India has on Friday chose to boycott the Pakistan National Day reception in New Delhi organized by the Pakistan high commissioner, citing invitation of separatists from Jammu and Kashmir in the event as the reason behind the move.
However, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi has sent a message to Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan on this occasion, according to ANI news reports.
In a tweet, Khan wrote: “Received message from PM Modi: I extend my greetings & best wishes to the people of Pakistan on the National Day of Pakistan. It is time that people of sub-continent work together for a democratic, peaceful, progressive & prosperous region, in an atmosphere free of terror and violence.”
Received msg from PM Modi: "I extend my greetings & best wishes to the people of Pakistan on the National Day of Pakistan. It is time that ppl of Sub-continent work together for a democratic, peaceful, progressive & prosperous region, in an atmosphere free of terror and violence"
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) March 22, 2019
Speaking on Modi’s greetings to Pakistan, Indian government sources told ANI this was a customary unsigned letter sent to other heads of the states on their special occasion days as well.
Meanwhile, Khan welcomed Modi’s wishes in another tweet and called for talks on all issues with India, including Kashmir.
Khan tweeted: “I welcome PM Modi’s message to our people. As we celebrate Pakistan Day I believe it is time to begin a comprehensive dialogue with India to address & resolve all issues, esp the central issue of Kashmir, & forge a new relationship based on peace & prosperity for all our people.”
I welcome PM Modi's message to our people. As we celebrate Pakistan Day I believe it is time to begin a comprehensive dialogue with India to address & resolve all issues, esp the central issue of Kashmir, & forge a new relationship based on peace & prosperity for all our people.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) March 22, 2019
Pakistan’s diplomatic sources said the invitation to J&K separatists – Hurriyat leaders – was a regular feature of country’s National Day.
Jaan-e-Aalam, an invitee, told ANI he would not attend the event in New Delhi if the government directs them to do so.
Aalam said, “We are with our country’s decision to boycott it. We will not go to Pakistan embassy if our government says that we don’t have to go.”
Meanwhile, Omar Abdullah, national conference leader, condemned Modi’s greetings sent to Khan. He tweeted, “If only the spooks & other interested players stopping people from attending the Pak National Day event had also stopped PM Modi from sending his greeting to PM Khan we wouldn’t look so damn confused about our relations with Pakistan.”