Humility, perseverance and controversial remarks of Pakistan’s Nawaz Sharif

Dr. Manmohan Singh, former Prime Minister of India, is known for his humble personality and strong decisions. During his tenure, there was historic progress in relations between India and America, which enhanced India’s credibility at the international level. But Pakistan did not like this progress. The then Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif landed himself in trouble by making controversial remarks on Dr. Manmohan Singh.

Nawaz Sharif’s comments and controversies

During the UN General Assembly meeting, Nawaz Sharif made the mistake of calling Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh a “country woman”. He alleged that Manmohan Singh complains about Pakistan to US President Barack Obama.

• Criticism of Nawaz Sharif:
  • There was tremendous criticism on his comment.
  • Later, while clarifying, Nawaz said that he never said such a thing.
• Reaction in Indian Politics:
  • At that time Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi fiercely targeted Nawaz Sharif.

Narendra Modi’s answer: “He is the Prime Minister of 125 crore countrymen”

Narendra Modi gave a strong reply to Nawaz Sharif’s remarks in a public meeting.

• Modi’s statements:
  • “We will debate policies with our Prime Minister, but he is the Prime Minister of 125 crore countrymen. “What right does Nawaz Sharif have to call her a ‘village woman’?”
• Target on media also:
  • Narendra Modi also criticized the Indian journalists who were eating sweets while sitting with Nawaz Sharif.
  • He said, “Those journalists should have kicked Nawaz’s sweets and come out.”

Context of the event: New York informal conversation

During the UN General Assembly meeting, Nawaz Sharif and Dr. Manmohan Singh were present in New York.

• Pakistani journalist claims:
  • A Pakistani TV journalist claimed that Nawaz Sharif made this comment during an informal conversation during breakfast.
• Statement withdrawn:
  • After the controversy escalated, Nawaz Sharif withdrew his statement.

Barack Obama’s praise: respect for Manmohan Singh’s ability

Dr. Manmohan Singh also received honors at the international level. Former US President Barack Obama praised him highly in his book.

• Obama’s statement (2010):
  • “When the Prime Minister of India speaks, the whole world listens.”
  • “Manmohan Singh is a skilled engineer of India’s economy.”
• India-US civil nuclear agreement:
  • It was during the tenure of Manmohan Singh that the historic civil nuclear agreement with America was finalized.