Modi extends 'best wishes' for Pakistani people, PM Khan says 'time to begin comprehensive dialogue'
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In a significant development in the fraught Pakistan-India relationship, leaders of the two countries exchanged messages on the eve of Pakistan Day.
Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday evening said he had received a message from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in which the latter extended "greetings & best wishes to the people of Pakistan on the National Day of Pakistan".
"It is time that [the people] of the sub-continent work together for a democratic, peaceful, progressive & prosperous region, in an atmosphere free of terror and violence," Modi said in the message, according to a tweet by Prime Minister Khan.
This is the first overture by India since the February 14 Pulwama attack, following which the nuclear-armed neighbours came to the brink of war.
In a subsequent tweet, Khan welcomed his Indian counterpart's message, saying it was now time to begin a "comprehensive dialogue" with India to resolve all bilateral issues.
"As we celebrate Pakistan Day I believe it is time to begin a comprehensive dialogue with India to address & resolve all issues, [especially] the central issue of Kashmir, & forge a new relationship based on peace & prosperity for all our people," the premier wrote.
In what was the most serious military crisis in South Asia since 2008, Indian and Pakistani warplanes engaged in a dogfight on Feb 27, a day after a raid by Indian jet fighters on what New Delhi said was a militant camp in Pakistan. Islamabad denied any militant camp exists in the area and said the Indian bombs exploded on an empty hillside.
Read: How Pakistan, India pulled back from brink of war
Pakistan downed an Indian plane for violating its airspace and captured its pilot after he ejected in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
The tensions de-escalated after Prime Minister Khan decided to release the Indian pilot as a peace gesture, and following concerted diplomatic efforts by countries including the United States, China and the UAE.
The Indian government, which is seeking re-election in next month's national polls, had responded to Islamabad's peace gesture and offer for dialogue with effective silence.
Read more
On DawnNews
Comments (143) Closed
Mar 22, 2019 09:35pm
Modi believes in gaining cheap popularity. Here is another example of his imbalanced personality.
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Mar 22, 2019 09:35pm
What else can he say?
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Mar 22, 2019 09:36pm
good message to work towards peace. start by stopping the killing of kashmiri people. thank you.
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Mar 22, 2019 09:39pm
Thanks, but we will NEVER accept the Indian occupation of Kashmir, EVER.
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Mar 22, 2019 09:41pm
Congress will now say that he’s apeasing Pakistan and indirectly targeting Muslim vote in India .
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Mar 22, 2019 09:42pm
Modi and his small thinking and games
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Mar 22, 2019 09:42pm
It’s a start. More needed.
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Mar 22, 2019 09:44pm
A good step on part of PM Modi which should be reciprocated with a good will gesture.
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Mar 22, 2019 09:46pm
He for sure doesn’t mean it
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Mar 22, 2019 09:48pm
I hope he realized that peace is the way to prosperity for both nations. The amount of money used to buy weapons can be used to fight poverty, a win win situation for both countries.
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Mar 22, 2019 09:50pm
Modhiji you are always right...
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Mar 22, 2019 09:50pm
The ice has melted.
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Mar 22, 2019 09:54pm
And it will start by Modi and his BJP party members along with RSS stopping to thump their chests, make hawkish statements about and blaming Pakistan for all their problems just to win elections. They need to learn to win elections on substance as opposed to making Pakistan a scapegoat.
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Mar 22, 2019 09:55pm
Modi is confused just like Nawaz Sharif
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Mar 22, 2019 09:58pm
Now he has decided to ride Imran khans back to win the election. There is no end to his hypocrisy.
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Mar 22, 2019 09:59pm
Great moves by IK Compelled modi to come to nod his head infront of the world. Say no to Politics
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Mar 22, 2019 10:05pm
We dont need good wishes of a war monger. Mind your own business modi. We love indian people but not extremists be it on any side of the border including mr. Modi.
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Mar 22, 2019 10:06pm
Excellent. All neighbors should live with love, peace and harmony. War is never a solution to anything. Dialogue is the way forward.
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Mar 22, 2019 10:07pm
Modi games
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Mar 22, 2019 10:08pm
A good start provided Modi Ji is sincere. Let’s start by stopping atrocities being committed by Indian soldiers in occupied Kashmir.
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Mar 22, 2019 10:08pm
Is this a joke?
He cannot make his mind up lol! What is this love hate relationship.
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Mar 22, 2019 10:10pm
Let us hope Modi would not deny it in a few days time.
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Mar 22, 2019 10:11pm
Hope the Government of India and Pakistan works to towards peace and prosperity for the citizens of both countries.
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Mar 22, 2019 10:13pm
That's nice!
Now Modi needs to out his words into action and get into the practical mode to make it into a reality. Otherwise, good wishes, hopes, aspirations and dreams are just that, impractical.
Conceive a good idea, createba blue print to conceptulize it and work to achieve the desired results.
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Mar 22, 2019 10:14pm
Modi can never ever be trusted. He has shown his true colours to Pakistanis, as he had almost ordered missile attacks on our people.
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Mar 22, 2019 10:14pm
Does that include people of Kashmir too? who are living under terror and violence of Indian state sponsored Army for past 70 yrs; oh and what about Kalboshan?
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Mar 22, 2019 10:18pm
Modi totally failed, now begging for peace. Khan is great
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Mar 22, 2019 10:19pm
Imran is making strides in foreign policy initiatives.
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Mar 22, 2019 10:21pm
Communication is the key to peace.
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Mar 22, 2019 10:22pm
Modi is not an intelligent person
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Mar 22, 2019 10:23pm
No sincerity; just attention grabbing effort.
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Mar 22, 2019 10:23pm
Finally some good news
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Mar 22, 2019 10:23pm
don't respond to this butcher!!
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Mar 22, 2019 10:24pm
Welcome thaw of tensions.
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Mar 22, 2019 10:26pm
What? Is he in his senses?
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Mar 22, 2019 10:27pm
Nice gesture
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Mar 22, 2019 10:27pm
Does he (Modi) means it or just saying it because that's what you say on such an occasion?
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Mar 22, 2019 10:27pm
nice development...........................very positive move.
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Mar 22, 2019 10:29pm
It was a media war. Vast majority people from both sides don’t want war.
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Mar 22, 2019 10:29pm
Better late than never
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Mar 22, 2019 10:33pm
Thats a very positive improvement if he "meant" that!
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Mar 22, 2019 10:33pm
Well, I see an opening for both government to extend this into a meaningful dialogue.
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Mar 22, 2019 10:34pm
Well timed greetings from Modiji to Imran Khan. He says from his heart. We hope it is a beginning of a good relationship between the two neighbors. The opposition parties who believe that what Modi did recently against Pakistan is to win votes, are proven wrong. At this time of election, his followers would not have expected a positive gesture from Modi towards Pakistan. But, he is a statesman and a bold leader who will do anything which is in the best interest of India. Proud of you, Modiji.
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Mar 22, 2019 10:36pm
Modi is confusing everyone and a double speak.
Anything else?
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Mar 22, 2019 10:36pm
No thanks.
We are taking care of ourselves
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Mar 22, 2019 10:36pm
The man does not emanate honesty. Be wary of anything that comes out of his mouth.
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Mar 22, 2019 10:38pm
What double standard
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Mar 22, 2019 10:39pm
Political ploy by Moxi.
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Mar 22, 2019 10:43pm
I guess someone is looking for some love in Pakistan. He’s being hated in India by Rahul G.
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Mar 22, 2019 10:48pm
Modi should implement on peace talks. Act upon what your saying. BJP will not discuss Kashmir matter. No way forward from running away from possible solutions. Modi is playing liar liar.
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Mar 22, 2019 10:49pm
That is the way it works - Politics.!!
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Mar 22, 2019 10:55pm
Modi is playing game.
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Mar 22, 2019 10:55pm
What made him send a message of peace.... this is very much un-modi style as he only talks about hate and war.
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Mar 22, 2019 11:01pm
Modi-fied Behaviour
Let's hope it's sincere!
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Mar 22, 2019 11:01pm
Great for both countries.
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Mar 22, 2019 11:02pm
Now I expect from PMIK to walk two steps.
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Mar 22, 2019 11:03pm
Modi failed to impress the voters with his aggressive narrative and now his strategists want him to be peacemaker but I do not trust this man until Indian elections are over.
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Mar 22, 2019 11:03pm
Now the ball is in PM Imran Khan's court. Hope he will play fairly for the benefit of viewers of both the countries.
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Mar 22, 2019 11:03pm
Good gesture, let’s hope IK reciprocates.
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Mar 22, 2019 11:03pm
Let's hope sanity will prevail and Pakistan and will resolve their differences peacefully. All energy will be diverted to fight against poverty ,hunger,disease and illiteracy instead of money wasting on Arsenal's.
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Mar 22, 2019 11:06pm
Nice to see something positive
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Mar 22, 2019 11:08pm
PM Imran Khan, be careful of Modi, he cannot be trusted at all.
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Mar 22, 2019 11:10pm
Modi is a Visionary...see his eyes...dreams .. for the future....
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Mar 22, 2019 11:10pm
Actions Speak Louder.
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Mar 22, 2019 11:13pm
Good development . lets hope for the best
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Mar 22, 2019 11:13pm
I hope Modi means it.
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Mar 22, 2019 11:13pm
Good progress. Hope these gestures bring come concrete peace and prosperity for people of South Asia.
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Mar 22, 2019 11:19pm
Pakistan is ready. Modi needs to make up his mind to choose between peace and the undesirable status quo
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Mar 22, 2019 11:21pm
Modi's message is a sign that India is planning another adventure. I will not buy into it and stay alert.
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Mar 22, 2019 11:21pm
After a month and a half King Modi has decided to contact Pakistan.
I suppose it is better late than never.
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Mar 22, 2019 11:23pm
Wow! Let’s break the barriers of hatred and misunderstanding, Mr. Modi and Mr. Khan are intelligent and exceptionally forward thinking leaders, I’m hoping this is the start of a prosperous India and a prosperous Pakistan! One step at a time!
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Mar 22, 2019 11:24pm
After attacking now talking peace. This Facist cannot be trusted...
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Mar 22, 2019 11:30pm
Modi can't be trusted
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Mar 22, 2019 11:37pm
This is a good news for Rahul. It would support his stance to normalize relations with Pakistan and might improve his ratings in polls.
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Mar 22, 2019 11:39pm
Election Publicity
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Mar 22, 2019 11:46pm
Frankly speaking, I am sceptical about the Modi's message and would like to see how Modi reacts to PM Imran Khan's invitation to have meaningful dialogues relating to Khasmir's issue, because, without a satisfactory solution, there will be no peace in the region. Ball is now firmly in India's court! (Gharib Awam ki Awaz).
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Mar 22, 2019 11:51pm
@Well-wisher,
Thank you but when modi talks 'war-war' or 'isolation' then your gullible lot falls for it too!
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Mar 22, 2019 11:52pm
This is the first step towards virtual unification of region where people's hearts and minds have always been unified since partition of the Subcontinent.
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Mar 22, 2019 11:53pm
Somehow I don’t trust him or trump .. suddenly 360 degree turn from both leaders. Something is brewing or I might be over cautious.
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Mar 22, 2019 11:55pm
Happy national day my beloved Brothers and sisters. :)
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Mar 23, 2019 12:01am
We wish the people of India nothing but peace and goodwill.
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Mar 23, 2019 12:04am
Good if Modi means it as so many times the Indians have back tracked on their word!
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Mar 23, 2019 12:08am
Imran Khan and Pakistan don't have to trust this guy......he is coached by Israelis !
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Mar 23, 2019 12:11am
Modi you are betraying indians.
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Mar 23, 2019 12:15am
@Naveed, stupid, Modiji is winning by huge number of seats because of his hardwork and corrupt free govt.
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Mar 23, 2019 12:30am
@Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmaod, "What else can he say?"
Not a lot!
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Mar 23, 2019 12:35am
Modi not IK level of intellect and humanity. Not same calibre or class. Congress Rahul might be better to deal with for peace.
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Mar 23, 2019 12:38am
Pakistan is not going to trust him. Modi might be planning another false flag operation.
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Mar 23, 2019 12:51am
He violates our airspace, fallaciously blames pakistan for pulawama attack result of Indian attrocities in IOK, his armies are lined up on the border, he is buying more missiles for the army, then he sends this cryptic message. Sincereity is shown by deeds and actions not words. PM IK response was statement like and on target.
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Mar 23, 2019 12:52am
There is no love lost between Mr Modi and Pakistan. All this is because Indian Airlines and economy is losing millions of dollars every day. The Pakistani government should play its cards right and not give in to his gimmicks.
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Mar 23, 2019 12:53am
It's just for some social diplomacy. Don't read into it too much
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Mar 23, 2019 12:53am
These are empty words, he does not mean it. I believe we should not read too much into it. His arrogance and pettiness are boundless.
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Mar 23, 2019 01:00am
Actions are more important than empty words, Modi Jee! If it is real it will be awesome for common men on both sides. Truth will come out after elections. War to peace in few weeks! true leader or a drama artist?
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Mar 23, 2019 01:01am
Well done Mr Modi - as a Pakistani I appreciate your comments . Both counties must take one step at a time and build a brotherhood in our region
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Mar 23, 2019 01:01am
It is a start PM Modi now has to show leadership and action, only then it will mean anything
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Mar 23, 2019 01:14am
@Sab Se Pehle Pakistan, Spare a thought for kashmiris in IOK under brutal foreign indian occupation.
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Mar 23, 2019 01:14am
Well done imran khan..your sincere efforts for peace has dragged modi to the table now.
You are a true leader imran and we pakistanis are proud of you as our PM.
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Mar 23, 2019 01:22am
Thanks to PM Modi and best wishes to his party & people of India. Let’s proceed forward and in unison fight the poverty, fight all those who create apprehension among us,fight all those who never like two neighbors in friendship.
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Mar 23, 2019 01:22am
Mr Modi, if you really mean it then As a goodwill gesture, send indian cricket team to a pakistani visit.
We will be the best host for them and we will start a new era of peace and friendship and live in harmony.
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Mar 23, 2019 01:29am
Khan Sb. Lets not jump the gun here. Words may change but nature does not.
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Mar 23, 2019 01:35am
The gesture of the Indian PM should be taken positively.
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Mar 23, 2019 01:36am
Modi jee now start dialogues with the Kashmiris and Pakistan .
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Mar 23, 2019 02:00am
His words cannot be taken seriously.
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Mar 23, 2019 02:09am
After having tested the principled word of Pathan PM Imran Khan Narendra Modi has finally reciprocated?
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Mar 23, 2019 02:13am
Modi, what a snake you are, just weeks ago you was threatening to teach Pakistan a lesson and sent jets on a bombing raid! Expect us to believe that you have had a change mind? This man is pure evil and should never be trusted.
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Mar 23, 2019 02:24am
@Adnan Mazher Khan,
You nailed it. I agree with you. Another tactic to get cheap popularity before election.
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Mar 23, 2019 02:30am
This is a good gesture and we should reciprocate also. There is a lot of potential in this subcontinent if only we live in peace. We should move towards dialogue and end this hatred once and for all. We can live side by side as good neighbours and friends and help each other progress
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Mar 23, 2019 02:38am
I think Pakistan should say that better relationship only when Kashmir issue is resolved and India to stop spreading propaganda against Pakistan.
Pakistan wants better relationship but do not want political game by cheap politics of Modi, and Pakistan can defend itself.
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Mar 23, 2019 03:11am
I think only peace between us will bring prosperity for our future generations. It's time to move forward towards peace. Great gesture by both leaders.
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Mar 23, 2019 03:17am
Both countries should give up kashmir and let the people of these great nations enjoy their lives in peace they deserve. Madness should end now.
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Mar 23, 2019 03:45am
Air space closure working.. Modi on his knees.
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Mar 23, 2019 03:55am
@NK, Modi is Modi , talking from the position of strength.
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Mar 23, 2019 04:07am
Pakistan must not open its airspace, for which Modi is now begging.
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Mar 23, 2019 04:08am
There you go again, IK bringing up centrality of Kashmir will be a non starter for any dialogue
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Mar 23, 2019 04:18am
Can never trust Modi.
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Mar 23, 2019 04:52am
Terrorism needs to end.
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Mar 23, 2019 04:53am
Sad to see negative comments regarding Modi’s peace gesture
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Mar 23, 2019 04:55am
Common sense is great but it is not very common.I hope common sense will prevail.
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Mar 23, 2019 04:59am
Because of election; cheap Politician
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Mar 23, 2019 05:13am
Core issue stop killing of innocent Kashmiri people and give then right to Vote and let them choose there future.
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Mar 23, 2019 05:24am
@Anti-Corruption , Yes there should not be any place for terrorism
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Mar 23, 2019 05:27am
India has been thouroughly defeated once more the fifth time. So now Modi is wanting to please PM IK.
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Mar 23, 2019 05:45am
Elections 250 million Muslim votes are crucial to his stay in power u figure?
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Mar 23, 2019 05:57am
@Frank, Kashmir is integral part of India and will never change. Wake up.
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Mar 23, 2019 06:07am
Modi is India’s Trump. Too dangerous!
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Mar 23, 2019 06:09am
No talks. Period.
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Mar 23, 2019 07:14am
Either you’re going to send war planes into our territory and make false claims or you’re going to extend best wishes to people of Pakistan, you cannot do both. Whatever strategy you’re working on is not being taken lightly.
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Mar 23, 2019 07:15am
That’s a quick change of tune by modi?
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Mar 23, 2019 08:02am
Best greetings would have been 'The government and people of Pakistan'
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Mar 23, 2019 08:47am
Well I'm not a fan of this guy Narendra Butcher of Gujarat/Kashmir but still I say thank you as forgiveness starts at home.
Lot of love you India, love you so much dear brother.
IndoPak Blood Brothers 4 Life!
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Mar 23, 2019 10:22am
@Adnan Mazher Khan, why did IK tweeted and not Modi? Did you ask that question?
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Mar 23, 2019 03:10pm
Its a good gesture from Indian PM.
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Mar 23, 2019 04:51pm
This message does not mean anything, Modi is a lier and can never be trusted.
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Mar 24, 2019 07:32am
How about IK taking actions against the known terrorists roaming freely in Pakistan? That will be a great gesture towards peace!
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Mar 24, 2019 07:40am
@Alok, That’s what many Pakistanis said about East Pakistan in 1970-71. You just can’t keep people enslaved in this time and age for very long.
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Mar 24, 2019 08:35am
Keep dreaming..
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Mar 24, 2019 12:43pm
I hope Modi means it.
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Mar 24, 2019 07:20pm
@Adnan Mazher Khan, really? Did not know that
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Mar 25, 2019 01:26am
Pakistan should accept LoC to resolve Kashmir issue. There is no other solution to the dispute
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Mar 25, 2019 09:15am
@Adnan Mazher Khan, : Ignorants like you can only make such comments.
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Mar 25, 2019 11:40am
Take every message and step of Modi with a pinch of salt, just because they are sending lovey dovey messages does not mean they aren't planning a retaliation somewhere in Pakistan. We must stay vigilant.
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Mar 25, 2019 01:31pm
Modi ji should not have congratulated on Pakistan day? If he has done this, means he wants peace. Pakistani Awam should take it positively.
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Mar 25, 2019 07:24pm
I appriciate your hard work i wanna tell you without reading your blog i don't sleep please keep sharing these type Good Morning Quotes on your blog. thanks for making our day.
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