New Delhi: Pakistan High Commissioner to India Abdul Basit today asserted that JuD Chief Hafiz Saeed ia a Pakistani national who had the liberty to roam about freely in the country.
While speaking to some media persons, Abdul Basit said, “Hafiz Saeed is a Pakistani citizen and he can roam around freely in his own country. What's the problem?”
Addressing mediapersons in ASSOCHAM, Basit said, “no country in this world can dictate or drive the entire world. SAARC is the least integrated region. It has not been able to move forward because of confrontational relationship between Pak and India.”
“There is hardly any connectivity between India and Pakistan. One wonders how can you talk about increasing trade in this environment,” added Abdul Basit.
Basit also said that the overall environment is not conducive, but stressed that Pakistan would not give up.
He dwelled at length on the negative attitude of the governments of Pakistan and India. He said, “the narrative in India is that Pakistan can be ignored as it is economically and tradewise not important. Similarly, there is a narrative in Pakistan also why to bother. This attitude must change.”
Abdul Basit said that if Pakistan and India work together they wouldn't need the world.
He hoped that Narendra Modi would find a way that would mutually benefit the two countries. Pakistan can't afford to ignore India. There is a Swedish Proverb '' Those who want to sing find a song'' said Pakistan High Commissioner.
Even though Basit stressed on the importance of reconciliation and co-operation between India and Pakistan, the latter's statement on Hafiz Saeed displays Pakistan's sheer lack of concern in combating terrorism.
India has demanded Saeed's extradition to India for his involvement in plotting terror attacks in various parts of India but Pakistan has been reluctant to respond.
