Is it the birthday of Quaid-e-Azam, the janam-din of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, the wedding bells of the Sharifs grand-daughter, the Christmas miracle or the alleged under-cover sale of the Karachi Steel Mill that stirred this storm in a teacup? Every machli-house to vegetable vendors to florists are trying to get a piece of the pie. The think-tanks are thinking less about strategic planning and more along the lines of gourmet cooking. Is Mr. Modi travelling to Pakistan for another selfie?
Earlier today, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced his surprise visit to Pakistan over Twitter, consequently on the birth of baba-e-qaum Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
Looking forward to meeting PM Nawaz Sharif in Lahore today afternoon, where I will drop by on my way back to Delhi.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 25, 2015
Suffice to say, Twitter was taken by a storm
PM Modi in Lahore is genius. Fast-tracks "visit" dynamic by 9 months, re-seizes the baton of initiative & strengthens PM Sharif's approach.
— Mosharraf Zaidi (@mosharrafzaidi) December 25, 2015
My personal opinion. Pakistani politicians shouldn't be too excited on #Modi visit. Few months back he was presenting Dhaka fall pics to BD.
— Proud Khaki (@PakistansPride) December 25, 2015
If #Modi gets ample opportunities for taking selfies, he will be willing to discuss Kashmir.
— Asad Munir (@asadmunir38) December 25, 2015
It was supposed to be a lazy news day. But #Modi visit turns this biggest news making day of 2015 in Pak-India relations context
— Kashif Ali (@ChKashifAli) December 25, 2015
The sudden announcement also received mixed reviews from across the border
Usual suspects are upset because PM #Modi doesn't follow their cookie cutter templates and has broken new grounds with #InnovativeDiplomacy!
— Amit Malviya (@malviyamit) December 25, 2015
If the decision is not preposterous then it is utterly ridiculous, says Manish Tewari of Congress on PM Modi meeting Pak PM today: ANI
— Times of India (@timesofindia) December 25, 2015
The re-engagement with Pakistan is a good step & a very welcome development. However more than grand gestures we need consistency.
— Omar Abdullah (@abdullah_omar) December 25, 2015
Some stated this was “Salgira” Diplomacy
Visiting Nawaz Sharif on his birthday at #Lahore is probably one of the single greatest thing #Modi ever did. pic.twitter.com/QyIAWwc7rV
— Right To Rebel (@bprerna) December 25, 2015
Some were pleasantly amused at the sudden turn of events
Maybe @narendramodi was craving a Lahori paan post the Afghani breakfast, chalo @PMNawazSharif se bhi mil letay hain #SweetCoincidence #modi
— Sidra Iqbal (@SidraIqbal) December 25, 2015
"Modi ka tayyara hudood mein daakhil" Sounds like Modi on his suhaagraat more than a news channel update
— Moochar (@AsliBinLaden) December 25, 2015
Will prime minister @narendramodi be coming with a nihari-flavored birithday cake? Just wondering… #ModiInPakistan
— Haadeashka. (@HaadeaP) December 25, 2015
Moving past the incredulous reaction from the masses, India-Pakistan’s diplomatic love-hate relationship needs a lot of work. Here’s to hoping this impromptu meeting creates an atmosphere of peace and dialogue on both ends. Pakistan is an important player in the Economic Corridor and thus, any initiative towards peace should be welcomed with open arms.