India flays Pakistan for hosting fugitive Zakir Naik
What's the story
India has condemned Pakistan's decision to host Indian fugitive Zakir Naik. The criticism follows the lack of Indian presence at the recent Pakistan National Day celebrations for the second year in a row. MEA did not confirm whether India was invited to the event, stating that invitations and their acceptance depend on the nature of the relationship. Speaking at the event, Saad Ahmad Warraich, Pakistan's charge d'affaires, reiterated Islamabad's desire for peaceful ties with New Delhi.
Official stance
MEA spokesperson condemns Naik's presence in Pakistan
Condemning Pakistan for hosting Naik, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reiterated India's earlier stance that Islamabad's support for cross-border terrorism is the biggest obstacle to peace. "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," Jaiswal said.
Diplomatic outreach
Pakistan's charge d'Affaires advocates for peaceful relations
Warraich, while addressing the National Day celebrations, pushed for peaceful ties with India. According to him, Pakistan had always pursued friendly relations with other countries on the basis of sovereign equality, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence, and a new dawn could emerge in the relationship between the two countries. The same approach had guided Islamabad's attempts to develop peaceful relations with New Delhi, he said.