Pakistan invites PoK minister, Indian diplomat leaves Saarc meeting

NEW DELHI: An Indian diplomat left a SAARC meeting in Islamabad on Sunday protesting move by Pakistan to invite a Pakistan occupied Kashmir ((PoK) minister to speak at the event.

This was the first such instance when Pakistan had invited PoK minister at a SAARC-related event. India might issue a demarche to Pakistan in this matter on Monday. Indian diplomat Shubham Singh left the meet after Pakistan invited the Chaudhary Muhammad Saeed to speak at the dais. The diplomat left the SAARC meet when Pakistan gave the platform to Saeed.

This is another attempt in recent past where Pakistan has tried to legitimise PoK. Earlier a senior PoK leader was invited to Imran Khan’s swearing-in.