Political parties boycott Indian HC reception

ISLAMABAD: All major political and religious parties and civil society stalwarts unannounced boycotted Indian high commission (HC) reception on Friday evening hosted by Indian Charge d Affairs Gaurav Ahluwalia to commemorate 71st Republic Day of his country in a local hotel.

The artists who turned up traditionally in Indian receptions with fanfare also stayed away from the Indian get-to-gather. The high commission invited more than two thousand guests but about three hundred turned up.

The diplomats belonging to Muslim countries and Middle East states except Qatar and Turkey ambassadors didn’t attend the reception while European and countries of Far-East were also absent.

It’s obvious that poor attendance was due to India’s extremist BJP government’s actions which first annexed Indian Occupied Kashmir (IOK) and later introduced highly controversial legislation to expel Muslims, Sikhs, Christians and Dalits from that country under Hindutva agenda. Unlike last year no security obstruction was in place, and the guests were facilitated by the security.

The reception was arranged amid unprecedented tension between the two countries by the Indian high commission. The guest kept discussing political situation prevailing in Pakistan and ugly incidents taking place in India. They were concerned that the situation could take dangerous turn at any point in time. India is hell bent to rid of Muslims, and it will have to face the wrath of the world and especially Pakistan. Most of the guest were concerned the way Modi extremist government is enhancing animosity against the minorities of his country.

The Indian Occupied Kashmir (IOK) situation was also under discussion where Indian occupied forces have let loose worst order repression and siege of innocent people is moving catastrophic mode. Indian Charge d’ Affairs Gaurav Ahluwalia delivered 99 words short speech from written text and didn’t touch thorny problems of the people of IOK and Indian minorities.

He said: “I extend a very warm welcome to all out guests as we celebrate 71st Republic Day of India. India celebrated its first Independence Day on August 15,1947. January 26,1950, marks the day on which India declared itself a Constitutional Republic by formally adopting its constitution. Today, we celebrate the journey of this republic. We hope India and Pakistan, having attained freedom at the same time, will continue work towards creating a better future for the people of the two countries.”

The reception commenced with playing of national anthems of Pakistan and India. There was no traditional cake cutting ceremony. Indian diplomats and staff attended the reception along with their families, and they were happy that they are living in a comfortable ambiance.

The high commission invited ambassadors of eight member Saarc countries ambassadors/high commissioners for anthem playing ceremony on stage but four came to the podium.