NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif arrived in New Delhi on Monday to attend the Indian Prime Minister-elect Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) Narendra Modi’s swearing-in ceremony.
The prime minister accompanied by national security and foreign affairs Sartaj Aziz, the special assistant to the prime minister on foreign affairs Tariq Fatemi and foreign secretary was received by Pakistan’s High Commissioner to India Abdul Basit and high ranking Indian officials on arrival at the airport.
The Indian prime minister-designate Narendra Modi had officially invited Nawaz Sharif to attend the ceremony.
The event will provide an opportunity to the two sides to devise a strategy to normalize their relations and ensure peace in the region.
Shairf will also hold meetings with the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Pranab Mukherjee.
Pakistan releases 151 Indian fishermen
Earlier, Pakistan released 151 Indian fishermen, who will be handed over to the Indian authorities at Wagah border on Monday.
Under the directives of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, 92 fishermen were released from Hyderabad while 59 from Malir Jail, Karachi after confirmation of their status as Indian nationals from the Indian authorities.
These fishermen had been arrested for entering the territorial waters of Pakistan illegally.
The prime minister also directed for the return of 57 boats seized by Pakistani officials from the Indian fishermen.
BJP welcome Pakistan’s decision to release prisoners
Meanwhile, the Indian BJP has welcomed the Pakistan government’s decision to release the prisoners.
In a statement, the BJP leader M.J. Akbar termed the decision a good sign. He said that it is to remind us all that peace is always a better option than confrontation.
