BJP hails Centre's move of summoning Basit for alleged discourtesy

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday hailed Centre's step where it summoned Pakistani envoy Abdul Basit over the last-minute cancellation of an event of Indian high commissioner to Pakistan, Gautam Bambawale, in Karachi where he was scheduled to speak.

BJP Spokesperson Shaina NC said that Pakistan owes an explanation as it cannot first invite a diplomat and then later on dis-invite him.

"The Ministry of External Affair is absolutely entitled to ask Mr. Abdul Basit to come and give an explanation because you do not invite a foreign diplomat and then dis-invite him. This is a very humiliating , so I am glad that the government has taken this proactive step," said NC.

A day after Indian envoy's event in Karachi was cancelled at the last minute, the Centre yesterday summoned Basit for the alleged 'discourtesy'.

"Pakistan High Commissioner Abdul Basit was summoned today to the Ministry of External Affairs and conveyed the concern of Government of India by Secretary (West) (Sujata Mehta) on discourtesy to Indian High Commissioner," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said.

According to reports, Bambawale, who was visiting Karachi for the first time after assuming charge in January this year, was informed about the cancellation "just half an hour before the event.