Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

Pakistan minister Hina Rabbani Khar says her country doesn’t see a partner in PM Modi

The Pakistani minister of state foreign affairs made her remark during a panel discussion on South Asia at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2023 in Davos where Sri Sri Ravi Shankar was also present.

Pakistan minister Hina Rabbani Khar says her country doesn’t see a partner in PM Modi

Pakistani minister of state foreign affairs Hina Rabbani Khar on Thursday (19) said her country does not see a “partner” in Indian prime minister Narendra Modi for working towards peace between the two countries, but it saw a partner in his predecessors Manmohan Singh and Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

Speaking at a session on South Asia in Davos at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2023, Khar said, “When I went to India as foreign minister, I had worked really hard to press for better cooperation and we were in a much better position at that time compared to the situation in 2023.


“What we have done in these years, we have added to the hostility. We must realise that we cannot change geography. And let’s understand it’s not a South Asia problem, it is an India-Pakistan problem and the problem from India side and there was a lack of statesmanship."

She added, “There is a need to think beyond an election cycle and a willingness for peace. I am not seeing a partner in Prime Minister Narendra Modi, though he may be good for his country, I did see a partner in Manmohan Singh and in Atal Bihari Vajpayee.”

The minister's comments come days after Pakistani prime minister Shehbaz Sharif sought “serious” and “sincere” talks with his Indian counterpart for the resolution of the “burning” issues, including Kashmir.

The Pakistan Peoples Party leader said Pakistan has learnt its lessons from the past and it wants to move forward but she feels that India was always a country where all religions coexisted but that was not the case any more.

“I am not saying that we don’t have any problem in Pakistan, but our government is always working to ensure that minorities are protected by new laws and enforcing existing ones,” she said.

On the Chinese position, Khar said China is seen as more like a pillar of stability than of chaos in the region except for in India.

“I truly believe that if both countries have got statesmen at the same time and not leaders interested only in elections, there is no problem that cannot be solved,” she said.

To the allegation that it is a statesmanship problem that is thwarting good relations between India and Pakistan, 'Art of Living' founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar said during the same panel discussion that Pakistan has to realise the problem is from their side as India does not have a problem with any other neighbour.

He said the two countries share the same language and have similar cultures, food etc.

Ravi Shankar said Modi has extended his hand several times. He also repeatedly offered to help and the allegation that the current prime minister has shown no willingness makes no sense.

Prime minister Modi has offered help to all neighbours and it cannot be said he has done nothing, he added.

Khar also alleged that India’s secular fabric has been torn apart during the tenure of the current government, a charge which was strongly rebutted by Ravi Shankar.

On whether Pakistan can act against terrorist organisations working out of the country, Ms. Khar said she can only engage in an informed discussion and that those asking these questions should first know the facts about the action taken against some of the names often talked about.

On the suggestion that economic cooperation can build bridges, Khar said, “We have been through those cycles many times. When my party was in power last, we had talked about peace and cooperation and normalising trade with India.

“But why do I think now that there is no chance right now, is because India broke the trust. Narrative setting is very easy. We can kill people and say we did it for peace.”

She added, “I have spent too much time in politics and I have lived too long in this region. I do want peace and happiness in region, but I don’t see a hope because trust was broken. I want to hear a different language (from Indian leadership).”

Asserting that she does not want to engage in a tit-for-tat with Ravi Shankar, she said, “I am willing to talk peace and meditation with Guruji, but politics?”

Ravi Shankar stressed there was a need to move forward, adding that a world exists beyond politics.

(PTI)

More For You

Starmer-Getty

Starmer is facing a Labour backbench revolt over plans to reform special needs support in schools without guaranteeing existing legal rights. (Photo: Getty Images)

Getty Images)

Starmer faces Labour pushback over SEND reform plans

KEIR STARMER is facing a backlash from Labour MPs over plans to reform special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) support, after ministers stopped short of guaranteeing legal rights for parents.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said the government was committed to reforming the current system, which costs £12 billion a year. However, she did not confirm if legally enforceable rights, such as those provided by education, health and care plans (EHCPs), would remain.

Keep ReadingShow less
Heavy rain and thunderstorms hit London

Londoners faced a wet and stormy start to the week

iStock

Heavy rain and thunderstorms hit London before 30°C heatwave

Key points

  • Heavy rain and thunderstorms drench London at the start of the week
  • Temperatures set to rise with highs of 31°C expected by Thursday
  • Heatwave could be declared by Friday if warm conditions persist
  • Night-time temperatures to remain high, increasing discomfort
  • UV and pollen levels forecast to be very high across the south

Thunderstorms soak London before summer heat returns

Londoners faced a wet and stormy start to the week as heavy rain and overnight thunderstorms swept through the capital. Monday morning saw widespread downpours, leaving commuters reaching for umbrellas and Wimbledon ticket hopefuls queuing in ponchos.

The unsettled conditions followed a burst of thunderstorms on Sunday afternoon and continued into the early hours of Monday, prompting caution across the city. The Met Office has not issued a formal weather warning for thunderstorms, but conditions remain unstable.

Keep ReadingShow less
National Trust sets vision to heal
nature and engage more Asians

Lisa Nandy, Steve Reed, René Olivieri and Hilary McGrady at a National Trust event marking its 130th anniversary

National Trust sets vision to heal nature and engage more Asians

THE National Trust, which is seeking to broaden its appeal to British Asians, is marking its 130th anniversary with a renewed commitment to restoring nature and widening access under a 10-year strategy.

Its director-general, Hilary McGrady, also aims to inspire more people to get involved in caring for the country’s natural resources.

Keep ReadingShow less
 7/7 bombings

The King said the public should draw on the 'extraordinary courage and compassion' shown in response to the attacks. (Photo credit: X/@RoyalFamily)

Starmer and King Charles pay tribute on 20th anniversary of 7/7 bombings

PRIME MINISTER Keir Starmer and King Charles on Monday paid tribute to the unity shown in the aftermath of the 7 July bombings in London, as the country marked 20 years since the attacks.

On 7 July 2005, four Islamist extremists carried out suicide bombings at Aldgate Station, Edgware Road, King's Cross and Tavistock Square. The attacks killed 52 people and injured hundreds more.

Keep ReadingShow less
Navroop Singh

Navroop Singh was convicted of five charges including rape and was sentenced on July 4 at Isleworth Crown Court. (Photo credit: Metropolitan Police)

Man jailed for life over rape and attempted rape in west London

A 24-year-old man has been sentenced to life in prison for rape, attempted rape and firearm offences following a Metropolitan Police investigation in west London.

Navroop Singh, of Mellow Lane East, Hayes, was convicted of five charges including rape and was sentenced on Friday, July 4 at Isleworth Crown Court. He must serve a minimum of 14 years.

Keep ReadingShow less