Narendra Modi makes surprise visit to Pakistan; first by an Indian premier in more than 10 years
Narendra Modi makes surprise visit to Pakistan; first by an Indian premier in more than 10 years
Narendra Modi left for Delhi after concluding his surprise Pakistan visit. Nawaz Sharif came to see him off in airport.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Lahore on Friday for a meeting with his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif in a surprise visit to this country, the first visit to Pakistan by an Indian premier in more than 10 years.
Modi was received by Sharif with a warm hug at the tarmac of Allama Iqbal International Airport after his unexpected stopover here on his way back home after a day-long trip on Friday to Afghanistan where he went after concluding a two-day visit to
Modi was accorded a red carpet welcome as PM's special IAF Boeing 737 plane made a smooth touchdown at 4.20 local time(4.50 IST). He then took a chopper to proceed to Sharif's Raiwind palatial residence in the outskirts of Lahore.
The relations between India and Pakistan have witnessed some positive developments after chill for several months. The two countries recently decided to launch a comprehensive dialogue after Modi-Sharif meet in Paris.
That's like a statesman, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj tweeted about the surprise visit by Modi. One should have such relations with the neighbours, she added.
The last visit to Pakistan by an Indian prime minister was in 2004 by Atal Bihari Vajpayee, whose 91st birthday fell today and who is credited with bringing about a thaw in relations with Islamabad.
Pakistani authorities put security on high alert in Lahore especially around the airport area following the announcement of Modi's brief visit to the eastern city. A heavy contingent of police and Pakistan Rangers have reached the Allama Iqbal
A PML-N source told PTI 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.
Narendra Modi's favourite dish 'Saag' was among other vegetarian delicacies prepared for him during a lunch-cum-dinner at Jati Umrah residence of Nawaz Sharif.
When Modi reached at Jati Umrah Raiwind residence, located on the outskirts of Lahore, Sharif's son Hasan and other family members received him warmly.
Some 11 members of Modi's delegation accompanied him to the Jati Umerah who were issued a 72-hour visa. However, over 100 other members of the delegations stayed at the Allama Iqbal International Airport. There were refreshments at the airport for
Pakistan's Foreign Secretary hinted that the two countries could hold a secretary-level meeting in mid-January as a part of their comprehensive dialogue.
Pakistan foreign office said that the two sides decided to collectively work towards increasing people to people contact in order to create more conducive environment for peace and develop omen and mutual cooperation between the two neighbouring
Narendra Modi left for Delhi after concluding his surprise Pakistan visit. Nawaz Sharif came to see him off in airport.
Narendra Modi makes surprise visit to Pakistan; first by an Indian premier in more than 10 years

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