Indian PM Modi makes surprise visit to Pakistan

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday will pay a visit to Pakistan and hold a meeting with counterpart, Nawaz Sharif.

It was the first time an Indian prime minister has visited Pakistan in nearly 12 years. However, Modi’s visit is being termed as more of a private nature.

“I welcome the Indian Prime Minister to Pakistan as I have advocated that Pakistan and India must solve their disputes through talks”, Kasuri said.

Modi is expected to meet Sharif’s mother.

“Modi going to Lahore and meeting Sharif on Atalji’s birthday is a pleasant surprise”, he said. He also presented a gift (Traditional dresses) to Sharif’s grand daughter over a marriage.

Indian Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj confirmed the meeting between the two leaders.

A PML-N source told that Sharif had invited Modi to attend the marriage of his granddaughter Mehrun Nisa which is taking place today at the Sharif’s Raiwind palatial residence of Raiwind.

“Looking forward to meeting PM Nawaz Sharif in Lahore today afternoon, where I will drop by on my way back to Delhi”, Modi said on Twitter. Modi was also given a static guard of honour.

Earlier today, Modi said in Kabul that Afghanistan will benefit when terrorism is contained and doesn’t dictate the choices its citizens make.

Referring to Vajpayee’s poem “Hum Jung Na Hone Denge” (We won’t let war happen), Kulkarni said, “Atalji must be a very happy man with Modi visiting Pakistan on his birthday”.

“We have always been saying (that) engagement with Pakistan is needed but BJP was opposing”.