Pakistan cornered; after India, Bangladesh and Bhutan also pull out of SAARC Summit in Islamabad

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, Sep 28, 2016: Literally, Pakistan has been cornered! Hours after PM Narendra Modi decided to boycott the SAARC Summit in Islamabad in the wake of Uri terror attack, Bangladesh and Bhutan too have pulled out of the summit.

"We are with India on pulling out of SAARC," Bangladesh information minister said.

Bhutan has joined other SAARC countries in conveying inability to participate in the SAARC Summit, under the current circumstances, sources said.

According to sources, Bangladesh believes that growing interference in internal affairs of Bangladesh by one country has created environment not conducive to successful hosting of the 19th SAARC Summit in Islamabad in November 2016.

Reportedly, Bangladesh said that it remains steadfast in its commitment to regional co-operation but believes these can only go forward in more congenial atmosphere.

"In view of the above, Bangladesh is unable to participate in the proposed Summit in Islamabad," sources added.

Also, Bhutan has expressed concern over recent escalation of terrorism in the region, which seriously compromises environment for successful holding of the 19th SAARC Summit in Islamabad in Nov 2016, sources added.

Bhutan has shared concerns of some of SAARC countries on deterioration of regional peace and security due to terrorism.

Earlier, on Tuesday, India pointed out that regional cooperation and terror can’t go together.

"India conveyed to current SAARC Chair Nepal that increasing cross-border terrorist attacks in the region and growing interference in internal affairs of Member States by one country created environment that is not conducive to successful holding of summit in Islamabad," MEA said.

The 19th SAARC Summit was scheduled to be held in Pakistan’s capital Islamabad from November 9 to 10, 2016.