ISLAMABAD, June 7: Minister for Information and Broadcasting Sheikh Rashid Ahmed on Tuesday described the reported resignation of L.K. Advani from the President-ship of Bharatia Janata Party (BJP) as surprising. Talking to Indian media representatives who had invited his comments on the development, Sheikh Rashid said it was “an internal matter of India.”

“But every Pakistani is surprised over this move because during his visit to Pakistan he had impressed us by his new gesture.”

Sheikh Rashid said Advani’s salutary statement in Pakistan about Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah had cast a new impression and negated his image as a hardliner.

He said Mr Advani was impressed by the warm reception accorded to him by the people of Pakistan during his visit.

“Now they (people of Pakistan) see a new Advani and this will go a long way in promoting good bilateral relations. Things are moving in the right direction,” he said.

Reports from New Delhi said Advani had tendered resignation in the face of strong criticism by hardliners over his praise of the founder of Pakistan.—-APP