Former Pakistani cricket team's captain Javed Miandad has invited President Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz on Thursday to the reception of his son Junaid's wedding to Mahrukh, the daughter of underworld don Dawood Ibrahim, accused in the 1993 Mumbai blasts.
"Yes, I have invited the honorable president and prime minister besides Muslim League leader Chaudhry Shujaat Husain. I am hoping that they will attend the reception to give blessings to the newly wed couple," Miandad was quoted in Jang newspaper.
However, Musharraf is unlikely to attend the reception after he flew to Jeddah to attend the funeral of Saudi King Shah Fahd who passed away on Monday. There is still no official confirmation regarding Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz's visit to the reception though he is said to have pressing commitments in Islamabad.
Junaid married Mahrukh in Dubai on July 23.
"Miandad refused to confirm if Dawood Ibrahim would attend the reception," the newspaper said.
Dawood's daughter, Miandad's son wedded
"Invitations have been extended to all those who matter in Pakistan and in particular Karachi. The invitees include the governor and chief minister of Sindh (province), top military officials, government and civil servants besides present and former test cricketers," the newspaper said.
Miandad was, however, diplomatic when asked if he had invited Pakistan Cricket Board officials who unceremoniously sacked him last year after Pakistan lost the test and one-day series to India.
Miandad, since his dismissal on June 16, had been locked with the PCB over the clearance of his dues. "After my accounts have been cleared, I have nothing against them," he told The News.
Nevertheless, Pakistani captain Inzamam-ul-Haq confirmed that he had received the invitation for the reception, but would not be attending it as he is proceeding to England.
Invitations have already been sent to nearly 1,200 guests though the guest list is likely to cross 1,500.
