By Zahid Shah

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Monday called the Indian move to block Islamabad's participation in the High-level Dialogue on Global Development’ held virtually on sidelines of the BRICS meetings, in Beijing is “regrettable.”

In a statement, issued by the Foreign Ministry, without naming India, said Beijing and Islamabad were engaged prior to the BRICS meetings but regrettably one member blocked Pakistan’s participation.

“China being the host country engaged with Pakistan prior to the BRICS meetings, where decisions are taken after consultations with all BRICS members, including extending invitation to non-members. Regrettably one member blocked Pakistan’s participation,” said the ministry.

The statement came after local media reported that Pakistan was ignored by China and not invited to the High-Level Dialogue on Global Development (HLDGD) concluded a day earlier in Beijing.

The event was hosted by Chinese President Xi Jinping and among others India, Iran, Egypt, Fiji, Algeria, Cambodia, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and two CAS were the participants of the dialogue.

In 2018, Xi was invited former Prime Minister Imran Khan to participate in the event as a key note speaker. 

Pakistan Foreign Ministry said they hope that future engagement of the organization would be based on the principles of inclusivity keeping in view the overall interests of the developing world and in a manner that is devoid of narrow geo-political considerations.

“We appreciate China’s role in promoting the interests of the developing countries. Together with China, Pakistan has been a strong voice for global peace, shared prosperity and inclusive development. Pakistan is the current chair of G77+China and also part of group of friends of the Global Development Initiative(GDI),” Its said.  

“Pakistan and China are all-weather strategic partners and our iron brotherhood remains rock solid. The two countries are fully committed to take our all-round cooperation to higher levels  both bilaterally and multilaterally.

“Pakistan stands ready to work with all developing countries, including the BRICS members for addressing the challenges faced by the global community,” its added.