Sharif, Modi meeting has ‘underlying conflict of interest’, Imran Khan says

Islamabad: Pakistan’s cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan on Saturday took to Twitter, terming the meeting between Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi a “conflict of interest”.

Although the Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman was welcoming of the revived relations between the arch rivals, he was also of the opinion that conducting a meeting arranged by a business associate has “an underlying conflict of interest”.

“We welcome the thaw in Pak-India relations, but to have a business associate arrange the two prime ministers’ meetings has an underlying conflict of interest,” he tweeted.

Referring to an earlier secret meeting between the two leaders, he said, “Meetings of the two prime ministers, from the secret meeting in Kathmandu to the one in Lahore, must be done through institutional frameworks with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the loop for sustainability.”

Further, Khan said that such meetings held between the prime ministers undermines a process whereby tensions can be eased, and raises questions and conflict of interest.

Major political parties in Pakistan welcomed the surprise visit, saying it was a “new beginning of relations” and will help improve ties between the two countries.

Opposition leader in the parliament Syed Khurshid Shah said his Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) supports Modi’s visit.

PPP Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto Zardari had tweeted “Welcome to Pakistan @narendramodi. Constant engagement is the only way to resolve all outstanding issues.”

Welcoming Modi’s visit, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has said that it would be helpful for peace and stability in the region. He said such contacts should continue for resolving all the issues, including the longstanding Kashmir dispute.

Asif said Pakistan wanted good ties with its neighbours.

Radio Pakistan reported that former PPP Information Minister Qamar Zaman Kaira said Modi’s trip would help in holding composite dialogue between the two countries.

Awami National Party leader Zahid Khan said Modi’s visit was a “new beginning of relations between Pakistan and India”.

Renowned human rights activist Asma Jehangir said the Indian Prime Minister should play his role in stopping alleged human rights violation in Kashmir as well as reducing visa restrictions between the two countries.

Defence expert Air Vice Marshal (Retd) Shahid Latif said the meeting between the two leaders was a positive move and it would pave the way for resolving core issues between the two nuclear powers.

Despite broad welcome, there were isolated voices opposing Modi’s trip.