Why Modi?

According to media reports, US House Speaker Paul Ryan invites PM Narendra Modi to address Congress. There is no doubt that India is a big market and offers a relatively secure and stable business environment, and opportunities to the West. But why has the three-times elected prime minister of Pakistan been deprived of this dignified opportunity? There has to be some palpable reason why no Pakistani head of government has been asked to address US Congress since 1989.

Although Pakistan has been designated a major non-Nato ally and its contribution and the cost in the war against terrorism has been enormous, this discrimination will raise question marks among the establishment about the true nature of our friendship with the US. Considering the past track record of Narendra Modi, any individual concerned with human rights would rightly and logically question his right to get this honour.

Umar M Makhdumi

Karachi