DAVOS: Reacting to media report that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was forbidden from making a speech during the recent huddle of world leaders in Davos, World Economic Forum (WEF) clarified its position saying the PM schedule at Davos had already been decided with consensus from his office.

Yann Zopf, Head of WEF Media Operations & Events said, “The Forum was delighted that Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, the Honorable Prime Minister of Pakistan, participated in the Annual Meeting 2017 in Davos-Klosters from 17-20 January.”

In an email, he said, “The Prime Minister has been invited by the World Economic Forum and his agenda was prepared in consultation with his office, keeping in mind their objectives and key priorities. This included several meetings with key leaders from business and politics.”

The WEF media manager said, “At the sixth largest country in the world, Pakistan is an important global player and World Economic Forum looks forward to engaging the country in its system initiatives and projects through public-private cooperation.” –SAMAA