News Desk |
The Indian High Commission based in Islamabad has announced its decision to not attend the Pakistan Day Parade on 23rd March, despite the official invitation, local media reported. As a host country, an official invitation was extended to the Indian diplomats that are a part of the Indian diplomatic mission in Islamabad as a token to uphold diplomatic norms despite the ongoing tensions and scuffle. However, the Indian High Commission, led by Ambassador Ajay Bisaria, declined the invitation.
In a statement given to ARY News, the Indian High Commission confirmed that the Pakistan Day Parade will not be attended by any Indian diplomat or representative of the Indian government.
It is also important to note that New Delhi has refused to allow any government official to attend the Pakistan Day even scheduled at the Pakistan High Commission in India. India media reports reveal that New Delhi has boycotted the Pakistan High Commission’s events because of the invitation extended to the Hurriyat leadership, who will be attending the celebrations.
While referring to the ongoing tensions that erupted in the aftermath of the Pulwama attack, Indian MEA spokesperson added, “You are aware of our reaction in the past, most recently in February.
On Friday, official spokesperson of the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Mr. Raveesh Kumar, announced New Delhi’s decision to boycott the Pakistan National Day reception. While addressing a press conference, Raveesh Kumar said, “I can confirm India has decided not to send any representative. This decision was taken after Pakistan decided to invite the Hurriyat representative to the reception”.
While referring to the ongoing tensions that erupted in the aftermath of the Pulwama attack, Indian MEA spokesperson added, “You are aware of our reaction in the past, most recently in February. We are very clear, any attempt by Pakistan leadership or High Commission to engage with the Hurriyat leadership will not be taken lightly.”
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In 2018, Indian diplomats and defense attaché had accepted Pakistan’s invitation to attend the Pakistan Day Parade, however, this year, India has chosen to dismiss the diplomatic tradition of attending important national events organized by the host country and the events that New Delhi must attend as a host country itself.
Mina Jahangir with additional input by News Desk.