PM unlikely to accept Sharif’s impromptu invite for swearing-in

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is yet to receive a formal invitation for the swearing-in ceremony of Pakistan's newly elected Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif; but is unlikely to accept even if an invite comes.

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) chief Nawaz Sharif, who will become Pakistan's elected head of government for a record third time, is all set to be crowned the Prime minister of Pakistan for the third time, had on Monday invited Singh to his oath-taking ceremony, as well as to Pakistan in general.

Sharif said he would be ''very happy'' if Singh came for the ceremony. ''If he comes, it will be a great pleasure for me and for Pakistan,'' he said.

But the external affairs ministry has reportedly ruled out Singh attending Sharif's swearing-in ceremony, though ministry officials said they would react only after receiving an invitation.

Sharif's impromptu invitation was perhaps prompted by an unusually quick congratulation by Manmohan Singh after the PML-N leader's overwhelming win in the Pakistan polls on Sunday.

Even before the official results of Pakistan elections were out, Singh had written to Sharif, addressing him as ''Dear Mian Saheb'' and congratulating him for the victory; and also inviting him to India.

Sharif on his part has talked throughout his campaign as well as after his election of improving ties with India picking up from where it was left in the 1999 Lahore Accord.