That’s like neighbors, typical neighbors in sub-continent. We in India and Pakistan don’t call weeks before to take an appointment from our neighbors to visit like the Western world, where such visits between friends, relatives, neighbors are well planned, well-appointed and well ahead of time. We meet and greet at drop of hat. That’s what happened between India and Pakistan when PM Modi of India called from Afghan capital Kabul to PM Nawaz and expressed his desire to visit Pakistan on his way back home to Dehli. It’s out of question and unthinkable for any sub-continent host to even thinking about saying ‘No’ or become hesitant. Modi’s desire was received with warmth and welcoming gestures and preparations were started.
PM Nawaz is a family man and was busy in the wedding of his grand daughter, so he took Modi there and world saw both leaders literally hand in hand attending a family function and discussing bilateral affairs briefly. The real thing is optics here. Nobody was expecting that this meeting would resolve Kashmir and Mumbai issues. But the message which has gone out is great and far-reaching. One hopes that establishments at both sides are on board too. We would like to think that they are. Last time when Indian premier came to Pakistan, Nawaz was PM too and then Musharraf did the coup. Things have changed and one hope that they will stay changed. Today extremists like BJP, Bajrang Dal, VHP, and RSS have accepted Pakistan as their top sewak Modi has touched down in Pakistan. One fervently wishes that things move ahead towards peace, prosperity and neighborly good relations between India and Pakistan.