Former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif and India’s Narendra Modi. As Pakistan’s prime minister, Sharif accepted the invitation to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, despite counsel from powerful quarters in Pakistan that he reject the invitation. Sharif’s sacking is a reminder that the Pakistan army continues to be the most important determinant of the India relationship. In sum, recent events remind us that the office of the prime minister in Pakistan remains an easily dispensable position. Unless an exogenous change shakes Pakistan, Rawalpindi will continue to determine the direction of Pakistan’s India policy.

Source: Mint August 08, 2017 00:56 UTC