ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s claimed that it’s absence from the ‘High-level Dialogue on Global Development’ on the sidelines of BRICS summit on Friday was triggered by India.
Foreign Office, while clarifying the situation on Monday, said: “Regrettably one member blocked Pakistan’s participation.”
The FO did not name any country, but a diplomatic source on the background confirmed that it was India.
Besides the five members of BRICS — Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa — the event held in a virtual format was participated by Algeria, Argentina, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Senegal, Uzbekistan, Cambodia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Malaysia and Thailand.
Notably, it was surprising for many that Beijing succumbed to Indian pressure for blocking India.
FO spokesman Asim Iftikhar said China had engaged with Pakistan on this issue prior to the BRICS meetings. He explained that at BRICS decisions are taken after consultations with all members, including on extending invitation to non-members.
Rejecting rumours of China turning a cold shoulder to Pakistan, Mr Iftikhar said Pakistan and China are all-weather strategic partners and their iron brotherhood remains rock solid. “The two countries are fully committed to taking our all-round cooperation to higher levels both bilaterally and multilaterally,” he added.
