Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti on Saturday praised prime minister-designate Narendra Modi for inviting Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to his swearing-in ceremony on Monday evening.
“This is good, we appreciate this. The way Modi has invited was very bold step taken by him. There were many hindrances, but both have overcome this, and we welcome this move. We expected that this is not a formality of scripted diplomacy,” Mufti said.
“We expect that Modi has got a big mandate and Nawaz Sharif also has a mandate. So, they make proper use of it. If the relation goes well, then, it will bring progress to SAARC countries as well.” she added.
Sharif has accepted India’s invitation to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Modi.
Television channels had earlier quoted Sharif’s media advisor Tariq Azim, as saying that Sharif will fly to New Delhi for the event.
Pakistan Foreign Minister Sartaz Aziz is also expected to accompany him.
India has invited leaders of all South Asian countries, including Nawaz Sharif to Modi’s oath-taking ceremony scheduled for May 26.
The swearing-in ceremony, to be held at the forecourt of the historic Rashtrapati Bhavan, is likely to be attended by as many as 3,000 guests, the report added. (ANI)