PTI mulls extending Modi an invitation for Imran’s swearing-in

ISLAMABAD/NEW DELHI : The Pakistan Tehreek-e-insaf (PTI) is discussing the issue of inviting foreign leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to the swearing-in of Imran Khan as the next premier but a final decision is yet to be made.

“We are currently focussed on getting the numbers to form government and a decision on inviting foreign dignitaries to the oath-taking ceremony is yet to be made. A decision is likely in the next 24 hours,” PTI spokesperson Fawad Chaudhry said on phone from Islamabad on Tuesday.

“As you’re aware, Imran Khan knows India and has for long had cricketing ties with India. He also wants good relations with India,” Chaudhry said, without confirming media reports that there were plans to invite the leaders of all Saarc nations, including Modi, to the swearing-in ceremony expected to be held on August 11.

PTI officials privately admitted, however, that any invitation to Modi could end up getting Khan in trouble with Pakistan’s military high command.

“The core committee of Tehreek-e-insaf is considering inviting the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc) heads including Mr Modi and a decision on this is expected shortly,” an unnamed party leader was quoted as saying by PTI news agency.

The PTI party described Modi’s call to Khan on Monday as a welcome and refreshing gesture. Both leaders spoke about laying a new foundation for better relations.

According to a PTI statement, Modi told Khan that India is ready for a new era in bilateral ties and also spoke about joint policy to take matters forward. Khan stressed on resuming talks and said issues can’t be solved through wars. An Indian statement cited Modi as saying that he hoped democracy would take deeper roots in Pakistan.

Khan, in his victory speech, had stressed on normal relations with India. While deploring what he described as the Indian media’s campaign against him, Khan had said, “If we want to slash poverty in the region, then we (Pakistan and India) must have healthy trade ties.”