PM Narendra Modi touches Nawaz Sharif's mother's feet, makes surprise visit to Pakistan

Lahore: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday met the family members of his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif and touched the feet of his mother Shamim Akhtar at latter's residence Raiwind Palace, the ancestral home of 'The Sharifs'.

PM Modi had arrived in Pakistan today evening in a surprise visit following his visits to Russia and Afghanistan.

"In a first, both PMs flew together in a chopper to Raiwind, home of PM Nawaz Sharif," tweeted Vikas Swarup, Official Spokesperson, Ministry of External Affairs.

On reaching Sharif's ancestral residence at Raiwind known as Jati Umrah, PM Modi's favourite dish 'Saag' was among other vegetarian delicacies prepared for him during a lunch-cum-dinner.

Kashmiri tea was also presented to the Indian premier. Some 11 members of Modi's delegation accompanied him to the Jati Umerah who were issued a 72-hour visa.

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.

The source said Sharif's mother also entered the hall where both premiers were holding the meeting along with his other family members.

"PM Modi touched the feet of Sharif's mother," PTI reported.

Prime Minister Modi also wished his Pakistani counterpart on his birthday. "Birthday wishes for PM Sharif, best wishes for #IndiaPakistan relations," tweeted Swarup.

This is the first visit of Prime Minister Modi to Pakistan after assuming the office.

He was accompanied by Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval.

Earlier this morning, the Prime Minister tweeted greetings to Prime Minister Sharif on his birthday and wished him good health.

The relations between India and Pakistan have witnessed some positive developments in recent past. The two countries recently decided to launch a comprehensive dialogue after Modi and Sharif met in Paris.