• Pakistan PM meets Muslim MPs despite earlier cancellation

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan yesterday met with Muslim parliamentarians and expressed confidence Sri Lankan leaders will work to improve inter-communal harmony. 

Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) Leader Rauff Hakeem following the meeting tweeted that the discussion was “pleasant and fruitful”.

“Had a pleasant and fruitful discussion with Pakistan PM along with my colleagues from several parties. He expressed confidence in the capacity of our leaders to improve harmony among all Sri Lankans and address their citizens’ grievances with view to foster goodwill among nations.”

The meeting with Khan was initially cancelled with the Sri Lankan Government defending the move as done for security concerns. Khan was expected to raise the controversial mandatory cremation policy of the Government during his visit.

Earlier this month Khan tweeted in support of a statement by his counterpart Mahinda Rajapaksa that the Government could give burial as an option for COVID-19 victims. The latter’s statement in Parliament was, however, promptly rolled back. 

President and Pakistan PM discuss multilateral fora cooperation