Modi's gift to Nawaz ─ a pink turban on the occasion of his granddaughter's wedding

E-Paper | June 03, 2026

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi gifted Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif a pink turban to wear on the occasion of his granddaughter's wedding, HindustanTimes reported.

Nawaz donned the 'Indian Rajasthani pink turban' during Modi's surprise visit on Friday, a source at Nawaz's Jati Umrah residence told the Press Trust of India (PTI).

Wearing the turban, a gift from Modi, showed Nawaz's sincerity towards India and demonstrated that the PM values Modi's gift, the source ─ a member of the PML-N ─ said.

Nawaz wearing the pink turban said to be a gift from Indian PM Narendra Modi. ─ PTI

Nawaz's granddaughter, and Maryam Nawaz's daughter, Mehrunnisa married the son of well-known industrialist Chaudhry Munir, Raheel Munir, on Friday.

Maryam Nawaz retweeted a photo of her daughter with Nawaz Sharif.

Foreign Secretary Aizaz Chaudhry said Modi had telephoned PM Nawaz and expressed his desire to visit Pakistan on his way back from Kabul, where he had inaugurated the new parliament building, a gift from India to Afghanistan.

"It was a goodwill visit and the two sides decided to understand each other's reservations and restart the comprehensive dialogue in a positive manner," said Chaudhry.

Modi was received by Nawaz Sharif, Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif and other Pakistani officials at Lahore's Allama Iqbal International Airport. From there, the two leaders flew to Nawaz's Raiwind residence by helicopter, marking the first time that any leaders of the two countries have travelled together.

The Indian premier was touched by Nawaz's gesture of welcoming him and accompanying him back to Lahore airport when he left.

Some 2,500 or so guests attended Mehrunnisa and Raheel's walima ceremony on Sunday. Governor Rafiq Rajwana, Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, elite from Gulf states, federal and provincial ministers, real estate tycoon Malik Riaz, leaders of various political parties, Chief Secretary Khizar Hayat Gondal and senior journalists were prominent among the attendees.

The venue, Ittehad Farm House near Raiwind, comprised four large marquees which had been decorated with flower wreaths. The guests were served one dish (chicken qourma) and the event ended by 10pm.

Walima ceremonies will also be held in the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom next month because a number of friends of the Sharifs could not make it to Lahore, a source said.

Our readers are at the heart of everything we do.
Do you have a thought to share or a way we can improve? We’d love to hear it. Reach out to us at feedback@dawn.com.

Pakistan

Modi returns to India after surprise Pakistan visit

‘Nawaz-Modi meet should end Indian aggressiveness’

After Modi's surprise visit to Pakistan, next step is obvious – sustained engagement

From threatening Pakistan in 2011 to holding hands with Nawaz Sharif, Modi has come a long way

Analysis: One wedding and two prime ministers

Breakthrough at ‘Heart of Asia’: Pakistan, India to resume ‘comprehensive’ talks

Nawaz, Modi meet on sidelines of Paris climate summit

The Nawaz and Modi show

Sharif, Modi had deniable secret meeting in Kathmandu: book

Hitesh

Dec 28, 2015 01:54pm

hmm....new friends in the town!

Recommend 0

k k tiwari

Dec 28, 2015 01:58pm

Great gesture by Mia Nawaz to done turban. We loved it

Recommend 0

Delhi wala

Dec 28, 2015 02:17pm

Warm regards to Pakistan PM from India. Peace

Recommend 0

sanjiv

Dec 28, 2015 02:33pm

You have a very sensible Prime- Minister in the form of Shri. Nawaz Sharif. Despite all odds he is harping on good relations with India,since 1998! You people are really fortunate to have him as your leader! He is true visionary! Have faith in him, He will take you to prosperous Pakistan !

Recommend 0

Dec 28, 2015 02:36pm

There is no doubt Mr. Nawaz Shariff keeping very positive attiutde to resolve the problems. He never gives any negative comments and always tries to improve relations. During Mr. AB Vajpayee's time also, Mr. Shariff made sincere attempts,

Recommend 0

faryal

Dec 28, 2015 02:59pm

such a great way of gesture salute Pakistan

Recommend 0

dheeraj

Dec 28, 2015 02:59pm

Yes indeed Pakistanis are fortunate enough to have nawaz shareef as their P.M. I like nawaz shareef too.

Recommend 0

Nasir

Dec 28, 2015 03:16pm

Did Modi sahab buy the pink turban in Kabul? If not then it was planned visit.

Recommend 0

Nilesh

Dec 28, 2015 03:21pm

Hopefully we will be friends again. Peace should return I am desperately waiting for Pakistan food stalls in India good delicacies..... Well done mr Sharif and Mr Modi.

Recommend 0

Philosopher (from Japan)

Dec 28, 2015 03:34pm

Pink??? Oh man what a rosy PM we have.

Recommend 0

Waseem

Dec 28, 2015 03:38pm

@Nasir What difference does it make?

Recommend 0

Umar Farooq

Dec 28, 2015 03:47pm

Well Done PM, we are looking towards you for bringing peace in the region.......

Recommend 0

noor

Dec 28, 2015 04:00pm

when you wear freind's gifted turban, you are brothers after that .................such a great vision......Nazar na lage kisi ki is start ko

Recommend 0

noor

Dec 28, 2015 04:02pm

@Nasir It was bought in Rajasthan for Modi in future but as a custom to change turbans..they did it

Recommend 0

noor

Dec 28, 2015 04:04pm

lets pray one day Nawaz and Modi will go to UN general assembly meeting in one plain....and both will ask compensation from UK for looting Indians and Pakistanis for decades

Recommend 0

imran

Dec 28, 2015 04:12pm

Such lavish lifestyle while children eat from trash in the city ?

Recommend 0

excalibur

Dec 28, 2015 04:20pm

Surprise visit ? Modi wove the turban on the plane from Kabul ??????????? NS has no respect for the nation

Recommend 0

SAEED PK

Dec 28, 2015 04:25pm

I have had an opportunity to see Nawaz Sharif at his Model Town, Lahore residence when he was Finance Minister of Punjab. He is a handsome and beautiful person and in pink turban he is looking too gorgeous. He has been my leader for the last many years and my whole family is also with me in my choice. Dear PM we are with you for all your decision on Kashmir with India.

Recommend 0

Dec 28, 2015 04:30pm

It was a sudden visit. Ok.. A question - where did Modi get these turbans from at the last minute? Perhaps he carries few with him all the time.

Recommend 0

Akash

Dec 28, 2015 04:31pm

No on noticed that turban is really looking nice.

Recommend 0

Secular Indian HIndu

Dec 28, 2015 04:53pm

Wearing of turban gifted by PM of India, may confirm that gift was well thought as part of planned Visit. Nevertheless, Optics indicate bonhomie between Modi and Nawaz Sharif. Let's hope, past war mongering , chest beating is forgotten by Hardliners on both sides .new Direction on path of civilised dialogue is set by Modi and Nawaz. Results on ground will reflect whether Optics were in Direction as projected to be.

Recommend 0

Talha

Dec 28, 2015 05:09pm

Dear Mr. Nawaz the country is in deficit and you have burdened the existing tax payers with more taxes. Now you are taking advantage of the global economic turmoil. Can you please let us know what you are doing with us except getting more loan from IMF and spending on your lavish life style?

Recommend 0

sultan pervez

Dec 28, 2015 05:21pm

Very good thoughts in great spirits. People want to live and let live. Some times I feel it will be better if a third major power could help influence both leaders to secure a historic peace this time!!!

Recommend 0

Shyam Kokku

Dec 28, 2015 05:39pm

This is how neighbors should live like! Hope very soon even people of both sides can go to the other country so easily without the hassles of getting a visa!!!!

Recommend 0

True Blue

Dec 28, 2015 05:40pm

Neighbours envy...PM Nawajji's grand daughter is pretty as doll..& very lucky to have such high profile VIP's as wedding guests..some memories for life which she can share with her grand children..

Recommend 0

khanm

Dec 28, 2015 05:59pm

Dear NS...When you first start wearing a turban, probably the most common mistake is wrapping it too tight. You have to allow the head to breathe.

Recommend 0

N.Sid

Dec 28, 2015 06:00pm

let's hope more people to people contact and less animosity between two great nations. People on both side of the borders are curious and eager to visit each countries. So much similarities between two nations and so apart. Let's make it happen.

Recommend 0

Amer RAO - Toronto

Dec 28, 2015 06:30pm

Congratulations

Recommend 0

Khan- Pakistani

Dec 28, 2015 06:41pm

Frienship all personal , nothing about the country !

Recommend 0

Anshuman Verma

Dec 28, 2015 06:41pm

If all matter settles... I think world should give Nobel peace prize to our Prime Ministers.......

Recommend 0

SOHOMAN

Dec 28, 2015 06:55pm

@Nasir how far is kabul from india?.

Recommend 0

Sampath

Dec 28, 2015 06:58pm

Better gifts than rifts. Hats (Turbans ) off to Mian Nawaz Sharif, a man of peace .

Recommend 0

sachin

Dec 28, 2015 07:00pm

Nice

Recommend 0

Shrenik

Dec 28, 2015 07:22pm

One wedding brings together two nations!! Great to see you donning the Turban, Mr. PM (Pakistan). We need to celebrate our unity and cultural similarities. Apart from religion that divides, everything else unites us.

Recommend 0

VoiceOfReason

Dec 28, 2015 08:41pm

Modi is playing a clever game. show nice gesture at the surface but then stab in the back next. this is same story happening again and again. sharif will sooner or later learn his lesson.

Recommend 0

Indo_Pakistani

Dec 28, 2015 08:49pm

I think 99% Janta from both the countries love each other it's only 1% extremist and politicians who want people to fight so that they can run their shops...Good Job Mr. Modi & Nawaj Saheb...Aam janta has nothing to do with politics & religious fundamentalism...people from both the side want good life..they want job..home..good education, improved lifestyle and not fight...

Recommend 0

Vijay (Toronto)

Dec 28, 2015 09:13pm

@Nasir Do you think Prime Ministers and Presidents of any nation travel in langots? Of course they carry gifts for any unseen/sudden occasions.

Recommend 0

Anantha

Dec 28, 2015 09:17pm

Wish we can go as tourist and visa to Pakistan will be easy to get.

Recommend 0

Syed Ahmed, Canada

Dec 28, 2015 10:23pm

I wonder how long the Nawaz - Modi friendship is going to last - until completion of five dams being built in occupied Kashmir?

Recommend 0

Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad

Dec 28, 2015 10:30pm

An eye-wash for the heck of it.

Recommend 0

Sab Se Pehle Pakistan

Dec 28, 2015 10:57pm

Pakistan is being run like a personal private business of a particular family. Even a child knows Modi is an open enemy of Pakistan. Very dissapointed with the attitude of institutions with power. These corruption Kings are looting the country day and night and these institutions are doing nothing about it. Soon all state assets like PIA will be sold. Day by day people are losing hope because institutions with power are not reacting for unknown reasons.

Recommend 0

citizen

Dec 28, 2015 11:07pm

A country is known by the quality of leaders it has... N today I have not a iota that Shri Nawaz Sharif is a sincere person. I totally agree with @NOOR, we need to ask them wat was robed from us n of most is the devide n rule policy the price of which we are still paying not just one or two but 3 nations...

Recommend 0

Mumbai Indian

Dec 28, 2015 11:14pm

Very nice gesture from the Pak PM. Much appreciated. Overall, the maturity of Pak PM as well as Pak media in handling the ups and downs of relationship with India over last year or so has been wonderful. Respect.

Recommend 0

kashyap

Dec 28, 2015 11:16pm

My friends, I am from India. i saw many time criticizing your PM. but according to me he is true visionary statesman.

Recommend 0

Amit

Dec 28, 2015 11:23pm

PM modi was traveling in Indian Air Force 1 plane, which has to be fully loaded with prime minister necessary stuff & gifts. Prime minister of India only fly in air India when there is long journey.

Recommend 0

Gurpreet Singh Sabharwal (USA)

Dec 28, 2015 11:25pm

Sometimes I feel that Nawaz Sharif gets unnecessary flak & criticism in Pakistan. Would request Pakistani friends to give him time & appreciate his good moves. If Nawaz & Modi can resolve Kashmir & bring the countries closer, history will remember them as the most important leaders for their respective countries. I hope there are no spoilers via "non state actors".

Recommend 0

Faruk Ahmed

Dec 28, 2015 11:54pm

@Sab Se Pehle Pakistan I totally agree with the comments.

Recommend 0

desi_banda

Dec 29, 2015 12:07am

India & Pakistan: Kindly stop fighting. Please take care of your starving people. Two developed nations will never go to nuclear war. Instead of see-sawing between love and hate, develop a framework to allow people-to-people (and institution-to-institution) communication. Please grow up. -A frustrated Indian.

Recommend 0

Masood

Dec 29, 2015 03:24am

Mr. Nawaz Sharif; the whole Islamic world to our west is burning in stupid wars, may be this beautiful gesture by Mr. Modi will be an eye opener for them. Two nuclear armed arch rivals are embracing each other.

Recommend 0

Sami

Dec 29, 2015 04:05am

@Nasir He took it as a gift for Ghani but decided it would make for better investment with Nawaz ji ;-)

Recommend 0

Vorshal

Dec 29, 2015 05:43am

@Nasir - Yes, Modi may have carried it for gift if he was welcome in Pakistan, and yet the visit may have been planned at the 11th hour!

Recommend 0

indian

Dec 29, 2015 05:48am

Hopefully, they can restart trade and tourism. Lot of money can be made with trade and tourism. That also can lead to people to people contract

Recommend 0

Khan, Canada

Dec 29, 2015 06:12am

Topi drama....Look who is with PM in 2 photos ... the person who downed PIA. Shujat azeem.

Recommend 0

schal

Dec 29, 2015 06:22am

@VoiceOfReason Mr. Sharif very well remembers who is a backstabber based on his previous experience. You seem to have forgotten the visit of Mr. Vajpayee by bus to Pakistan and how it was repayed immediately.

Recommend 0

Hemant

Dec 29, 2015 09:13am

Aha the neckless design is really great...

Recommend 0

Rahul Sehgal

Dec 29, 2015 10:08am

No North Indian at least will fail to understand the significance of wearing a turban gifted by a friend. It means a lot. A lot. Nawaz Sharif just won millions of Indian hearts.

Recommend 0

Harsh

Dec 29, 2015 01:28pm

@Rahul Sehgal : Obviously north Indians are more accustomed to Muslims ways by virtue of being ruled long and hard.

Recommend 0

harjeet

Dec 29, 2015 04:09pm

@Harsh No Doubt.We know the importance of turban.

Recommend 0

Kautiliya

Dec 30, 2015 01:00am

What a great gesture,Modi gives Indian Taj to Sharif. Sharif Sahib wearing the turban makes him look like a Prince

Recommend 0

Sudhir Neyalasinger

Dec 30, 2015 11:55am

@HK He's India's PM. He can order stuff on the fly and get it.

Recommend 0

Azmat Shah

Dec 30, 2015 06:29pm

that one dish menu if true must be appreciated. This is coming from a PTI supporter although the party in UAE will be anything but modest i am sure :))

Recommend 0

Zak

Dec 31, 2015 12:00am

@citizen Infact, india should have been 12 more independent countries. To this day, they are fighting to get independence from India.

Recommend 0

gary

Dec 31, 2015 03:13am

Indians would have no doubt about the sincerity of Mr.Sharif. He is a businessman, and he wants trade, not war.

Recommend 0