Indian PM Modi greets Pakistanis on National Day
Imran Khan welcomes Modi's message, says it is time to start talks
Indian prime minister Narendra Modi has extended greeting to the people of Pakistan on the occasion of the latter’s National Day on March 23, prime minister Imran Khan has revealed in a tweet..
"Received msg from PM Modi: 'I extend my greetings & best wishes to the people of Pakistan on the National Day of Pakistan. It is time that ppl of Sub-continent work together for a democratic, peaceful, progressive and prosperous region, in an atmosphere free of terror and violence,'" Imran Khan has tweeted.
“I welcome PM Modi's message to our people. As we celebrate Pakistan Day I believe it is time to begin a comprehensive dialogue with India to address and resolve all issues, especially the central issue of Kashmir, and forge a new relationship based on peace and prosperity for all our people,” he added.
At the same time, India has boycotted Pakistan National Day celebrations at its High Commission in New Delhi.
Modi’s message comes at the backdrop of tensions between India and Pakistan after a suicide bomber of Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) killed 40 CRPF personnel in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district in February 14.
India launched a counter-terror operation in Balakot. The next day, Pakistan Air Force retaliated and downed a MiG-21 in an aerial combat and captured its pilot, who was handed over to India on March 1.