New Delhi: While there are reports that Prime Minister designate Narendra Modi has invited all SAARC nations to attend his swearing-in ceremony on May 26, sources say that it is unlikely that Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif will be attending the event.
Pakistan reportedly wants more time to wait and watch Modi's approach to the dialogue between the two countries. It may instead choose to send a representative for the ceremony. Sources in the Ministry of External Affairs also indicate that Pakistan President Mamnoon Hussain could attend the ceremony.
Last high level dialogue between India and Pakistan was held in September 2012 when then Minister of External Affairs SM Krishna held talks with his Pakistani counterpart Hina Rabbani Khar.
A second thought is being given to the Pakistan PM's visit as Nawaz has a domestic hard liner political constituency to address to. Pakistan civilian government's relationship with ISI and military is on the decline as well.
There are also voices of uncertainty in Islamabad on whether Modi will adopt tough policy on border vis-a-vis Kashmir.
Previously, despite repeated invitations, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh did not visit Pakistan in ten years.
India has been demanding outcomes on Mumbai attack trials and action against terror outfits before a PM visit across the LoC. Atal Bihari Vajpayee was last Indian PM to visit Pakistan in 2004.
Though the official invites are yet to be sent out, it is being said that the heads of the states of Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Srilanka, Nepal and Bhutan are being invited for the swearing-in ceremony. Invitations could also be sent to the leaders from Non SAARC countries.
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