No Congratulatory Message for Modi from Pakistan: Here’s Why
Despite the BJP not achieving a complete majority in the Lok Sabha elections, Narendra Modi is set to take oath as India's Prime Minister for the third time tomorrow (Sunday) as the leader of the NDA. Since the election results were announced, leaders from over 50 countries have extended their congratulations to Modi, expressing their hopes for improved bilateral relations. However, neighboring Pakistan has not congratulated Modi yet and has remained silent. This development has sparked interesting discussions about how it might affect the relations between the two countries.
In this context, Pakistan's Foreign Ministry made intriguing comments. On Friday, the Foreign Office stated that Pakistan desires cooperative relations with all neighboring countries, including India. They expressed readiness for constructive discussions to resolve all issues, including the long-standing Jammu and Kashmir dispute. The representative of Pakistan's Foreign Ministry, Mumtaz Baloch, emphasized their wish for peace and stability in the region, as reported by 'Dawn' newspaper.
When asked why Pakistan has not congratulated Modi yet, Mumtaz Baloch avoided a direct answer. He remarked that it is the right of Indian people to choose their leadership. Baloch also noted Pakistan's opposition to the abrogation of Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir, and mentioned recent political accusations against Pakistan during the elections.
Despite the challenges in relations with India, Baloch stated that Pakistan has decided to respond responsibly. He also mentioned that since Modi has not yet been sworn in again, they have not extended congratulations. Tomorrow (Sunday), Narendra Modi is set to be sworn in as India's Prime Minister for the third time.