Modi calls Nawaz, extends wishes for Ramazan
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ISLAMABAD: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Tuesday and extended greetings on the arrival of Ramazan.
According to a statement issued by PM Office, Indian premier called Nawaz and both the leaders spoke for five minutes on different issues of bilateral importance.
Modi also called Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
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Modi also announced to "release detained Pakistani fishermen on this pious occasion".
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"The fishermen released will be able to be with their families to observe this blessed month (Ramazan)," said Modi on his Twitter account.
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Modi told Nawaz that he wants to establish cordial relations with Pakistan.
Nawaz replied saying that both the countries should try to resolve their grievances and work to build a peaceful environment so that people on both sides of the border remember their leadership in good words.
“Pakistan and India should live peacefully – like good neighbours. Our internal differences should not be allowed to become a hurdle in this,” stressed Nawaz.
Nawaz Sharif later announced that Indian fishermen detained in Pakistan would also be released forthwith as a gesture of goodwill.
The talk between the two premiers is the first after a series of inflammatory remarks from both sides had seemingly soured the already fragile relationship between the two states.
Over the past two weeks senior politicians and cabinet members from India and Pakistan have issued fiery statements, threatening military attacks and blaming the other for supporting terrorism in insurgency-hit areas in Pakistan and India.
Take a look: Pakistan decries India's admission of involvement in cross-border terrorism.
Bilateral ties went into a freeze after Pakistan’s High Commissioner Abdul Basit held meetings with the Kashmiri Hurriyat leaders last year which annoyed the Indian foreign ministry. Since then, the two sides have taken tentative steps towards a possible resumption in dialogue, with Indian Foreign Secretary S. Jaishankar visiting Islamabad for talks with his Pakistani counterpart in March this year.
However, there has been little sign of progress in ties.
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On DawnNews
Comments (108) Closed
Jun 16, 2015 07:57pm
Great gesture of humanity by PM Modi. Let us all thank him.
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Jun 16, 2015 07:59pm
That's the story of the day.We need such spirit to promote peace in the region.What can we achieve with war so lets promote peace and harmony among us and move ahead to get rid of poverty from both nations.
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Jun 16, 2015 07:59pm
good gesture.We all should appreciate it from whichever side it comes.
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Jun 16, 2015 08:02pm
Indian P M has initiated for a good beginning. If Pakistan has any grievances about terrorism and Balochistan , Pakistan PM must take them to him directly.We want peace in south Asia.
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Jun 16, 2015 08:04pm
Maybe we ll have a new type of relationship (maybe like CHINA-JAPAN) when Modiji will visit Pakistan (for SAARC summit) next year.
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Jun 16, 2015 08:04pm
I hope sanity prevails and we come out of war hysteria.
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Jun 16, 2015 08:05pm
otherwise, for last 15 days I have been hearing uproar and disgruntled calls from him and from his Cabinet ministers.
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Jun 16, 2015 08:06pm
We need more than gestures. High time to convert the gestures into concrete action and progress to resolve all disputes and establish peace. I guess there is lack of commitment from both Indian government and Pakistani army. Otherwise with the control and the mandate these two have, there is no reason why we cannot solve all problems.
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Jun 16, 2015 08:06pm
Now this is what we the youth of both the countries expect from you. Such acts of kindness brings the best from others.
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Jun 16, 2015 08:09pm
Awfully nice of you old chap.
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Jun 16, 2015 08:10pm
Thank you Mr Modi , Pakistan appreciates your gesture
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Jun 16, 2015 08:10pm
Releasing poor fisherman is good gesture but this is all meaningless until we show real effort for peace and stop both side politicians to stop giving sensible statements.
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Jun 16, 2015 08:11pm
My question, which has been asked by someone else as well is, when was the last time a Muslim leader called Indian Prime Minister on the occassion of Diwali?. This is another victory for Modi who has proven that he is certainly a smart and sensitive man. Any comments on that from Muslims in Pakistan, Bangladesh etc?.
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Jun 16, 2015 08:13pm
3% of Japanese people view China's influence positively & 5% of Chinese people view Japanese influence positively.Whereas , 11% of Indians view Pakistan's influence positively & 19% of Pakistanis view India's influence positively. If China-Japan can trade (that too near 250 billion USD) , Why can't we? (also you must know, hatred comments by ministers is not uncommon for the Japanese or the Chinese too)
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Jun 16, 2015 08:14pm
Why can't they be like this all the time and i mean both...
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Jun 16, 2015 08:14pm
Prime minister nawaz shareef is looking handsome in the picture.
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Jun 16, 2015 08:15pm
Just hope the headline mongers don't create a conspiracy theory out of it!
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Jun 16, 2015 08:16pm
Good message from the Indian PM. Would have been much nicer if could have been on Air !!
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Jun 16, 2015 08:17pm
Modi sincerely wants peace with Pakistan which can be achieved quickly with slight change of mindset from the latter.
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Jun 16, 2015 08:17pm
I too wish my Pakistani brothers peaceful ramzan.
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Jun 16, 2015 08:19pm
It is some times (now very often) hard to hate Modi.
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Jun 16, 2015 08:23pm
Modi is a cunning politician, he knows how to manipulate things. Our PM is naïve and too innocent - Nawaz should maintain a distance as I am certain Modi does not mean what he says.
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Jun 16, 2015 08:25pm
This is utmost noble and admirable gesture on part of PM Modi. I wish it can continue and two "brotherly" neighbors can continue to liver in peace friendship and support and benefit each other towards prosperity and peace. They can be a tremendous weapon to fight menace of terrorism together. Good going Mr. Modi, rest assure you will always get a positive and constructive response from Pakistan. Do not consider an enemy rather a friend and lets keep this momentum and perhaps you can instil the same wisdom in rest of members of your cabinet and party. let's try to be brothers to each other once for all. Let's try at least once
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Jun 16, 2015 08:25pm
Much needed conciliatory gestures after all the noise from the last few weeks. I believe, all the noise we heard from both sides recently was merely posturing to gain some added advantage for the dialogue which will resume soon.
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Jun 16, 2015 08:29pm
We would love to hear more of this kind of talk from both sides. Make it a policy to say good and positive things. Differences should be settled through meetings and discussions. The media should be signalled not to encourage hate in the interests of each country. Is there anything that cannot be settled by civilised behaviour and impartial arbitration?
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Jun 16, 2015 08:34pm
People on both sides want peace. But unfortunately the politicians on both sides will not let this happen so they stay in power by keeping the country on the brink.
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Jun 16, 2015 08:36pm
Don't have high hopes with this jesture. It's an eyewash, there is no change of heart from Modi's side.
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Jun 16, 2015 08:38pm
Ramzan Mubarak to all Pakistani friends in advance
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Jun 16, 2015 08:48pm
Good beginning.
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Jun 16, 2015 08:49pm
A good move but there is little hope that it will change anything. A lull for sometime and we will be back to square one. Again we will see a tirade from a minister or two from across the border which will be well reciprocated from here. There is need to bring real change in the relationship of both the countries which require will and sincere efforts on both sides. War of words will serve no good to some the poorest people living in this region.
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Jun 16, 2015 08:49pm
happy ramzan to my brothers...
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Jun 16, 2015 08:50pm
Very good gesture.
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Jun 16, 2015 08:50pm
Happy Ramazan everyone
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Jun 16, 2015 08:52pm
@INDIAN. 1
This is a honest message Not Modi's one !!!
Thanks to You
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Jun 16, 2015 08:52pm
Modi's gestures are empty. Only real and substantive talks with no preconditions can yield results.
Mr Modi show us in action that you mean peace.
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Jun 16, 2015 08:53pm
Good wishes to all the Muslims of the world especially my brothers and sisters of Pakistan and my own country Muslims on the of Holly month of Ramdan.
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Jun 16, 2015 08:55pm
@Panjgur :
Releasing Pakistani Fishermen Languishing in Indian Jails is an "Eyewash"?!.
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Jun 16, 2015 08:56pm
@Sadhu wish you all best wishes for Ramadhan
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Jun 16, 2015 09:00pm
Pakistan must adopt this principle; "Speak softly, carry a big stick".
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Jun 16, 2015 09:05pm
Good gesture by Modiji. I am not a die hard Modi supporter, but still appreciate him as a leader. Every day he is earning more and more respect from me and people all over.
For rest of the year we will keep fighting with each other. But on this auspicious occasion please accept good wishes from 1.25 billion Indians. May this festival bring prosperity, new thinking and fresh energy (and hopefully less hatred towards Indians) into your country.
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Jun 16, 2015 09:09pm
@DJ pls ask your army, isi and religious parties not to come between our countries and political leaders. I am sure, we can write a new history of love and harmony. Happy Ramzaan to all my friends. We are neither China nor Japan nor USA. We are from one land that only loves, not hate. Pls ask your establishments not to interfere in political matters. Within a year world will see the rise of two Himalayan countries of Indian subcontinent.
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Jun 16, 2015 09:14pm
These politicians are master of hypocrisy. They flare up the situation between the two nations by using fiery speech of hate and acrimony and when it suits them they extend greetings. Please stop nonsense and try to live in peace with each other. The billion of people of this subcontinent find themselves dumbfounded by your hypocritical stands on non-issues.
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Jun 16, 2015 09:15pm
I think a new cold war has begun between India and Pakistan which can have dreadful consequences for both
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Jun 16, 2015 09:18pm
@Khalid I have been reading your comments for quite some time now?:):)
You are first and the foremost ..a decent human being. Not just Pakistan,but the whole world needs simple good people?:)
A " Happy Diwali" from you would go to make up for a million insincere wishes from worthless politicians?:)
Hope you and your family have a great festival season?:) Happy Ramazan!:):)
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Jun 16, 2015 09:18pm
Could this be the ice-breaker after so much chest thumping? Only yesterday, it was reported US urged the two countries to ease tension and resume talks.
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Jun 16, 2015 09:25pm
I knew Mr. Modi will change the atmoshpher after his speech in BD against Pakistan.. Because he know the politics very well.. His politics willpower is very strong.. Whatever he do or say and will comeout... he knows very well.
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Jun 16, 2015 09:34pm
Some sense prevails
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Jun 16, 2015 09:40pm
Good gesture from PM Modi and well received by PM Nawaz. However, I get a feel that the game is being played as per Modi's rules. He can make Pakistan shout in anger and cool it down.
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Jun 16, 2015 09:41pm
We need more of this and less of politician non-sense talk; both countries have serious poverty, corruption and humanitarian problems. Even nations that have dropped devastating Nuclear bombs have patched up. Why not us? The day India and Pakistan become true friends, the world will respect us and stop exploiting us. I pray to God in the holy month of Ramadan for this to come true.
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Jun 16, 2015 09:43pm
With all the negative statements that the Modi government has been giving about Pakistan, I wonder what the point was to call Nawaz. It is like hugging someone with a dagger hidden in the hand.
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Jun 16, 2015 09:46pm
First time Pakistanis are taking Modi's statement in a positive manner. Anyways happy Ramzan to all my Muslim brothers.
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Jun 16, 2015 09:55pm
modi is sher shah suri of India one who grow from poor and became emperor of india
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Jun 16, 2015 09:57pm
Modi is player, every one else is merely a responder.
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Jun 16, 2015 10:02pm
@Santosh Menon Releasing prisoners even if it is a eyewash is a noble gesture.Fishermen from both sides suffer due to drifting of their boats most of the time by strong winds, we must say thank you to Mr. Modi.
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Jun 16, 2015 10:11pm
Request with folded hands to both the sides, please give chance to peace, its amazing
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Jun 16, 2015 10:14pm
India and Pakistan has lots of differences but after watching Pakistani programs on you tube I can say we have so many similarities also. I wish I could visit Pakistan in my lifetime
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Jun 16, 2015 10:21pm
@Ahmed you can't hate modiji bcz even kashmiri hyrat leader sajad lone met him and then lone fought election and became minister frim BJP quota.modi has something extraordinary.we don't know oe we will never know bcz noone can judge him.i can't describe him bcz I have no word.
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Jun 16, 2015 10:21pm
@Meethi Mithayee politicians are policitians... there are rarely innocent people in politics...
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Jun 16, 2015 10:29pm
wish you all happy ramzan, my pakistan friends.
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Jun 16, 2015 10:32pm
To all friends everywhere, wish you a very peaceful month of Ramzaan...hope peace prevails permanently on this pretext and we dissolve our differences with good intentions...hope we progress together without trying to out do each other!!!
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Jun 16, 2015 10:46pm
I extend my best wishes to all the peoples of Pakistan . May god brings you prosperity & happiness ...... Love from India
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Jun 16, 2015 10:46pm
Dear Friends. Wish you a happy and Prosperous Ramzan.
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Jun 16, 2015 10:52pm
He is clever man. He knows that if Pakistan takes his statement to UN then there will be a big problem for India. Pakistan must take his speech to United Nation without any hesitation.
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Jun 16, 2015 10:53pm
Both countries catch each others' fishermen so that they can use them as goodwill gesture. Poor fishermen!!!
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Jun 16, 2015 10:59pm
MashAllah .... our very own Nawaz Sharif is very handsome indeed ! Just look at them. Ramazan Mubarik!
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Jun 16, 2015 11:04pm
@Ahmed There is a huge difference. Japan(small island) does not feel insecure unlike Pakistan. So, China-Japan focus more on economics but agree to disagree on strategic issues.
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Jun 16, 2015 11:05pm
Good gesture by our PM Modi..Go Ahead..
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Jun 16, 2015 11:12pm
May I wish all my Muslim brothers and sisters happy holy moth and peace, prosperity and joy for now and future! Let us put aside differences and unite for the sake of future generations by concentrating more on what unites us rather than things that divide use.
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Jun 16, 2015 11:25pm
Thank you Modi for this gesture. Frankly, I am a little confused to understand his state of mind. A fortnight ago he was boasting of india's role in breaking Pakistan and that too in Bangladesh. This impulsive personality can be extremely dangerous for the nuclear armed neighbors with a history of multiple wars.
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Jun 16, 2015 11:32pm
Modi already declared a SAARC satellite. India will host a meeting of all the 8 SAARC countries including Pakistan in this regard next week... Modi government also has signed agreement between India, Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh for seamless cargo and people movement within the countries.. after such proposal was blocked by Pakistan at SAARC level. Now these countries have come together.. sidelining Pakistan...
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Jun 16, 2015 11:35pm
PM Modi's call is much appreciated.
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Jun 16, 2015 11:35pm
That's a good gesture towards Pakistan. Looks like Mr. Modi disagrees with his out of control defense minister.
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Jun 16, 2015 11:41pm
@Pankaj these acts r not only from isi our religious parties or political parties.history is witness that all heated discussion first started from India n definitey we have no option except to reciprocate.I hope u understand.
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Jun 17, 2015 12:02am
Dear Pakistani brothers and sisters,
Please wait for pm Modi to visit Pakistan, I assure you that you all will fall in love with him. And I personally feel that PM Modi's all abroad visits are incomplete until unless he visits pakistan. Thanks
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Jun 17, 2015 12:16am
What a joke?. On one side he gives hate speaches against Pakistan and on other side sends his good wishes on Ramazan.
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Jun 17, 2015 12:22am
Exactly my point !! China and Japan have absolutely nothing in common and have been sworn enemies for hundreds of years. We on the other hand have got nothing different. Religion is not a matter of the government in India. Its a private individual matter.
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Jun 17, 2015 12:24am
@Ahmed SAARC ministers meet at Pakistan a few months before was cancelled due to security reasons. Lets see if Pakistan can host SAARC summit next year
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Jun 17, 2015 12:28am
@Meethi Mithayee - Rather than blaming Mr. Modi for his goodwill gesture, you need to analyse what Pak can achieve out of it. Be an optimist!!
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Jun 17, 2015 12:28am
Do you want to go have a tour to Lahore from India or have a weekend in New Delhi with your family by car from Pakistan without the visas ? yes we and our futur g eneration can imagine this. To creat the new jobs, trade, exchange of culturel activities, sports events and much more. How !!!!! The answer and solution is as simple. Every country must forget to acquire more part of land. Pakistan must forget to take on Kashmir and India must let the Azad pakistani Kashmir with Pakistan. Live like we are living now. Both countries can enjoy a different type of health.We will spend money on our welfare instead of ammunition and arms. we can spend this money to create a bullet train from Delhi to Lahore.
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Jun 17, 2015 12:37am
I want to wish happiness and prosperity to all my bothers and sisters in Pakistan on the occasion of holy Ramzan. let peace prevail between our countries.
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Jun 17, 2015 12:42am
We are brothers. We may fight hard but at the same time care for each other. We really don't want to lose each other. Really very strange relationship between Ind-Pak.
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Jun 17, 2015 12:44am
Well said Ahmed :)
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Jun 17, 2015 01:19am
I wish my muslim brother and sisters happy and peaceful Ramzan!
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Jun 17, 2015 01:25am
politicians - what can we say - create a hype in one speech and then send followers in another! at people to people level Indian are my closet friends and I always feel at home with them!!
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Jun 17, 2015 01:27am
@INDIAN. 1 thank you
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Jun 17, 2015 01:36am
Let,s party in Delhi clubs at eid I mean if all goes well!!!!
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Jun 17, 2015 01:41am
Do not forget what this guy said in Bangladesh
Now he is afraid of reprecussion
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Jun 17, 2015 01:42am
Beware Pakistan
Don't be fooled
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Jun 17, 2015 02:17am
This is how our relations have been since our country's were formed. sweet and sour.
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Jun 17, 2015 02:57am
wish u happy and peacefull ramadan to all muslim brothers (esp pakistan). i only love humanity and good governence on the both sides.
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Jun 17, 2015 03:06am
high time these two countries realize that they simply cant afford a war and work along with each other, if not in resolving their disputes, atleast in maintaining status quo and peace on the ground.
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Jun 17, 2015 03:13am
Good gestures.
Bye Modi should reign his loud mouth politicians who have nothing to do but war mongering.
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Jun 17, 2015 03:21am
Dear Pakistani friends who suspect Modi's motive, only a devoted hindu can feel the sentiments of a devoted muslim or christian.And for God's sake,Modi is not the reason for Gujarat riot.
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Jun 17, 2015 06:25am
I was born in Chak 27 JB near Lyallpur. After partition we moved to India as Refugees and went through struggle like millions of other brothers and sisters who got displaced after partiotion. It all happened because of the selfish and the egoistic behavious of most of the leaders on the both sides of the divide. The general public of both the countries would love to see the peace across the divide but the politicians and some foul religious and other interest on both sides will never let it happen. So Sad.
"Puchta hoon mai abhi yeh HIND PAKISTAN se.
Pet bhukhon ka bharoge kia JANG ke saman se.
Love you all.
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Jun 17, 2015 10:13am
@Khalid Great words.... Modi has big heart no doubt about it. Only modi can do this kind of gesture. He is the "Best PM" of India.
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Jun 17, 2015 10:32am
@Arsalan Musharraf And what do you expect to happen at UN ? Btw, whatever he has said is nothing new and was openly known to everyone.
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Jun 17, 2015 12:20pm
@Panjgur Search your heart and soul first dear brother, don't judge others.
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Jun 17, 2015 01:14pm
If India and Pak sincerely engage in peace talk, we both can save trillions anually. Sadly it is not going to happen soon.
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Jun 17, 2015 01:30pm
@Ahmed You make a lot of sense and I have been saying this for ages. We really need to see India as a big brother. Pakistan can not be a "Thekedar" for Muslims around the world. India has more Muslims than Pakistan. There is only one change I would make to your comment. We need trade and education. We can learn on both counts from India. If I could send my children to IITs and IIMs and if my government can learn from India as to how they have been able to create an education system that is not just impressive within the region but for the whole world, I will be a happy man and I believe Pakistan will progress as a result. As far as trade is concerned, all we need is the will from both governments and you will see that businessmen on both sides of the border have enough intelligence to break all business records.
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Jun 17, 2015 03:39pm
Some people here have commented that Modi's Gesture is hollow or an eye wash etc etc. Well it may be for you but certainly not for those fishermen who are coming back to their home and families. Ramadan Kareem my friends.
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Jun 17, 2015 04:16pm
Happy Ramadan friends across the border may peace prevail
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Jun 17, 2015 05:22pm
This is the true nature of our relations which sometimes become harsh and rude in nature.....being a pakistani i said no one can love indian culture more than apakistani we love bollywood watch ur shows.I m big fan of kbc.In same way no country can love pakistani dramas than our indian brothers.China japan usa etc are not the true parteners of our two nations.true and natural allies are india and pakistan only.ONE land and one language just divided by a fence.Good gesture by modi ji
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Jun 17, 2015 05:33pm
good gesture by modi ji.
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Jun 17, 2015 05:43pm
Ramadan Mubarak to all my brothers and sisters in India and Pakistan.
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Jun 17, 2015 07:46pm
@umair WOW. God bless you. It is our responsibility to ensure the illiterate majority in Pakistan understands that the real culprits in Pakistan are the so called religious leaders, political leaders and anyone else, who by saying silly things, can benefit from the ignorance of the masses. As a Pakistani who visits India regularly, I can assure EVERY Pakistani that there is no other place on earth where a Pakistani would feel more comfortable and more welcome. The people are wonderfully simple & polite. The food is out of this world. We speak the same language. We share the same culture and so on. I usually stay with the elderly parents of an old friend (who happens to be a Hindu) and I can assure you, the love they give me, is reserved for parents love towards their children. Let us all grow up and get rid of these hate preachers on both sides of the border. I really hope more of us can visit India and realise what a paradise of a country we have next door. Ramzan Mubarak to ALL.
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Jun 17, 2015 07:47pm
@Shiva My dear brother, we need more people like you on both sides of the border.
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Jun 17, 2015 07:51pm
@NY Brother, I would love to host you in Pakistan and I know there are 1000s more who would too. It is the loud mouthed minority that makes the most noise. My advise is to ignore them. I certainly do.
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Jun 17, 2015 08:03pm
@Rajesh You are so right. I hope I can see all that in my lifetime.
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