• By Shibra Siddiqui
  • Fri, 21 Mar 2025 09:03 PM (IST)
  • Source:JND
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No Indian government official attended the Iftar dinner hosted by the Pakistan High Commission on Thursday to mark Pakistan’s National Day, making it the second consecutive year without official representation. When asked whether any Indian official had been invited, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal responded with a sharp remark, "Nimantran toh rishton pe nirbhar karta hai" (an invitation depends on relations).

Reiterating India’s firm stance on its ties with Pakistan, Jaiswal recalled a recent statement from the ministry, emphasising that the “real issue” remains Pakistan’s continued support and sponsorship of cross-border terrorism.

"The world clearly knows that the real issue is Pakistan's active promotion and sponsorship of cross-border terrorism. In fact, this remains the biggest roadblock to peace and security in the region," MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal asserted.

Meanwhile, addressing the gathering at the Iftar event, Pakistan’s Charge d’Affaires Saad Warraich expressed Pakistan’s desire for peaceful relations with India, advocating for "new beginnings through mutual understanding, addressing concerns, and resolving longstanding issues, including Jammu and Kashmir.

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Meanwhile, Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar attended the Iftar gathering at the Pakistan High Commission, drawing sharp criticism from the BJP. Taking aim at the Congress, the BJP labelled it a “Pakistan-friendly party” (PPP), with party spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla stating, "In their opposition to Modi, they are indulging in opposition to the nation."

Earlier this week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed India’s position, declaring Pakistan as the "epicenter of terrorism” and stressing that India’s repeated peace overtures have been met with hostility.

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Pakistan has decided to hold its National Day celebrations in New Delhi again this year, which is observed on March 23, the day the Lahore Resolution was adopted in 1940 by the Muslim League. The resolution played a key role in shaping the demand for a separate nation for Muslims in British India, ultimately leading to the creation of Pakistan in 1947.