Pak PM’s envoy hopeful of Modi being at SAARC, says he can spring surprise

09 October, Washington

Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s Special envoy on Kashmir Mushahid Hussain has said Prime Minister Narendra Modi could spring a surprise and take initiative for normalisation of relations despite the current tension between the two countries.

Modi was an outsider to Delhi establishment and self-made man, so he could not be held by the sleeves by the Dilliwalas who had dominated the North Block and South Block, Mr Hussain said at an event held by a think tank.” he can spring a surprise also. He is unpredictable.

He can have a Nixonian transformation and outreach to Pakistan. I think the destiny of one-fifth of humanity in South Asia will change,” Sharif’s special envoy said.

Hussain also talked about the new American president and hoped that it would offer another chance for India and Pakistan to put their tries on track.

“On 20th of January 2017, there will be a new president of the United States and a new administration. So, I think this a very opportune moment; in 2019, Modi will be fighting for re-election; so let 2017 be year of decision, the year of peace for South Asia. The ball is in Modi’s court,” he said.

Replying to a question, he said, “Pakistan is ready, willing and able to go extra-mile. We have the unconditional things whether you (India) talk to us bilaterally; let us start talking across the table. And everything should be on the table. Any issue.”