Pakistan High Commission throws iftar gala amidst terror strikes in J&K

On a day when 8 CRPF personnel were martyred at Kashmir's Pampore region by militants, Pakistan showed height of insensitivity by going ahead with its gala iftar dinner. Pakistan High commissioner Abdul Basit talking about 'peaceful coexistence' with India sounded anything but honest.

When India Today asked him why he's refusing to condemn the dastardly act, he refused to answer. His media advisor came to his rescue by stopping a reporter from asking any more uncomfortable questions.

NO ATTENDANCE

But this brazenness was contrasted by the sleek turnout of guests. In a big embarrassment for Pakistan, unlike other years, there was very poor representation from Hurriyat this year in the iftar party thrown by High Commissioner Basit in New Delhi. No big names were present. Hurriyat hawk Sayed Ali Shah Geelani stayed off on grounds of poor health. But he was represented by Ayaz Akhtar and few of his followers. Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, the man who is the face of the moderate faction gave it a miss as well. JKLF Chief Yasin Malik was also absent from the event.

NO INVITATION TO INDIAN GOVERNMENT

Sources say around 30 members belonging to various constituents of the Geelani faction had been invited by the Pakistan High Commission. They included Geelani, Ashraf Sehrai, Shabir Shah and Nayeem Khan. But majority of them never turned up, leaving Pakistan red faced.

Sources say since no formal invitation was extended to the Indian government.

But even as most guests enjoyed their biriyanis, the topic of discussion was Pampore. But ofcourse in a hushed tone.

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