India hits out at Pakistan for hosting Zakir Naik

NEW DELHI: As ties remain frosty, there was no representation from the Indian side at the Pakistan National Day celebrations Thursday for the second year in succession. Addressing the event, Pakistan charge d’affaires Saad Ahmad Warraich said Pakistan desires peaceful ties with India and a new dawn can emerge in the relationship by enhancing mutual understanding, addressing mutual concerns and resolving longstanding issues, including J&K.

MEA did not confirm if India had been invited for the event but said invitations or their acceptance dependon the nature of the relationship, while also hitting out at Pakistan for hosting Indian fugitive Zakir Naik. Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal went on to recall India’s statement earlier this week in which it had said the main roadblock to peace is Pakistan’s support to cross-border terrorism. “This is not the first time that he (Naik) has been treated in Pakistan. And obviously, it shows, you know, the kind of approach his hosts have and what it means for us, and what it means in terms of giving so much of support to a person who is wanted here,” said Jaiswal.

Warraich stressed in his address that Pakistan consistently sought friendly relations with other states based on principles of sovereign equality, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence. This edifying approach, he stated, had also guided Pakistan’s quest to seek peaceful relations with India, he noted. “South Asia, our shared home, should march forward with stable peace, equal security and shared prosperity.”


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