Modi’s Pakistan visit path-breaking departure from protocol-driven politics: BJP

New Delhi

Hailing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s surprise decision to stop over at Lahore as a “path-breaking” departure from the “protocol-driven” politics between India and Pakistan, BJP today said there could not be a better day than the birth day of Atal Bihari Vajpayee for this.

BJP general secretary Ram Madhav said the two neighbours needed to inject informality in their relations, as is the case in many places of the world like the EU and ASEAN.

“PM Modi’s sudden stop over at Lahore to greet Pakiatan PM Nawaz Sharif is a much needed departure from protocol-driven politics between the two countries. Like leaders of other nations in the world like the EU, ASEAN and even countries in our neighborhood leaders of India and Pakistan too needed to inject informality in their relations.

“What better day than the birthday of Atalji for this path-breaking departure!,” Madhav, who plays an important role in shaping the party’s views on external affairs, tweeted.

BJP spokesperson Nalin Kohli said Modi had sent out a message about closer regional cooperation when he had taken the oath of office and his visit should be welcomed.

“We had the Ufa statement which was focused on our primary concern that is terrorism. There were hiccups after that. Then we had the Bangkok talk. Our Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj visited Pakistan.

“If the two countrioes can try to have a positive approach and work out a relationship that brings peace not only between them but to the entire region and therefore to the world, then that is something that should be welcomed,” he said.

CPI welcomes Modi”s surprise Pak visit move
New Delhi

CPI today welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s decision to visit Lahore to meet his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif, saying it would help take forward the Indo-Pak dialogue process.

“There have been many strains in our relationship. The ice was finally broken by the NSA-level talks and the visit of External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj to Pakistan. Now that process is being followed up by Modi’s visit,” CPI National Secretary D Raja said.

Noting that this was Modi’s first visit to Pakistan, he said it would help arrive at a better understanding and strengthen mutual trust so that the dialogue process can be taken forward.

“Dialogue is the only alternative to improve good neighbourly relations and sort out all problems bilaterally,” Raja said, adding it is “a welcome move” even though the visit to Pakistan was not mentioned in Parliament and has come as a “surprise”.

JD(U) ‘shocked’ by Modi’s surprise visit to Pakistan
New Delhi

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi heads to Lahore on a surprise visit, opposition JD(U) said it was “stunned” by the decision, especially in the wake of violations by the neighbouring country on the border, including the beheading of an Indian jawan.

The party said that “friendship and betrayal cannot go hand in hand” as it reacted sharply to the surprise announcement by Modi as he prepared to wind up his brief visit to Afghanistan today.

“I am stunned and shocked. At this moment, I can think of beheaded Hemraj,” said JD(U) leader KC Tyagi.

Lance Naik Hemraj was killed and beheaded by Pakistani soldiers on January 8 last year in the Poonch sector of Jammu and Kashmir. That incident and a series of ceasefire violations plunged India-Pakistan ties to a new low that year.

The ties between India and Pakistan have witnessed some positive developments, however, after a chill of several months. The two countries recently decided to launch a comprehensive dialogue after Modi and Sharif met in Paris recently.

But Tyagi said in the wake of Modi’s surprise move that “nothing is going to improve unless the leaders of Pakistan change their mindset. Pakistan should know that friendship with India on one hand and betrayal on the other cannot go together.” PTI

Security in Lahore on high alert ahead of Modi’s visit

From M Zulqernain
Lahore

Pakistani authorities today put security on high alert in Lahore especially around the airport area following the announcement of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s brief visit to the city.

A PM House spokesman confirmed that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif will receive his Indian counterpart at the Lahore airport who is expected to reach here around 2.45 PM (3.15 PM IST) from Afghanistan.

“PM Modi’s plane is scheduled to arrive at the Lahore airport shortly,” the spokesman said, adding that the Indian premier would stay in Lahore for about two hours.

Meanwhile, heavy contingent of police and Pakistan Rangers have reached the Allama Iqbal International Airport and taken charge of the security.

“Security in Lahore has been put on high alert,” a senior police official told PTI. He said police have also been deployed on the adjoining areas of the airport.

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 of Raiwind.

“I cannot confirm but there are chances that Modi goes to Raiwind and holds meeting with PM Sharif at his residence,” he said.

Earlier, Foreign Office spokesman Qazi Khalilullah said, “Yes, we have been informed by the Indian High Commission that PM Narendra Modi would stop over in Lahore to meet our PM today. Details are being worked out.” PTI