Pakistan Takes U-Turn, Says 'No Offer For Talks' in Letter by PM Modi to Imran Khan
The clarification from Islamabad came shortly after New Delhi dismissed claims made by the Pakistan Foreign Minister, saying that Modi had only congratulated Khan and made no offer for resuming the talks.
Islamabad, Aug 20: Hours after Pakistan's newly-appointed Foreign Minister SM Qureshi claimed that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has pitched for talks in his letter to Pakistani counterpart Imran Khan, Islamabad issued a clarification saying, "No offers for talks were made by the Indian PM".
The clarification from Pakistan came shortly after New Delhi dismissed claims made by Qureshi, saying that Modi had only congratulated Khan and made no offer for resuming the talks.
In his letter to the newly-elected Pakistan PM, Modi said the two nations should look forward towards establishing "constructive and meaningful engagement".
"We are for good neighbourly relations," Modi wrote in his letter, further adding that India has been a votary of "peace and development".
The letter from Modi came in the backdrop of Khan expressing his will to improve the bilateral ties with India, claiming that if New Delhi takes "one step forward", his regime will take two steps towards India.
Khan's swearing-in ceremony, held on Saturday, was attended by his contemporary cricketer and the incumbent I&B Minister in Punjab government, Navjot Singh Sidhu.
Sidhu, however, faced flak back at home for hugging Pakistan Army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa. Among his critics include Punjab CM Capt Amarinder Singh, who said he "strongly disapproves" the gesture at a time when Indian soldiers are being killed at the border.
Khan's 21-member cabinet took oath on Sunday. His government is supported by seven smaller parties and nine independent legislators.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 20, 2018 05:05 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).