Shatrughan Sinha denies discussing Kashmir issue with Pakistan President

Indian politician Shatrughan Sinha has said that he did not discuss Kashmir issue in a recent meeting with Pakistan President Dr Arif Alvi in Lahore.

He clarified this on twitter after a tweet from President’s official twitter handel claimed Mr Sinha “endorsed concern of the President about the lockdown of occupied Kashmir”.

Indian politician Shatrughan Sinha met President Dr. Arif Alvi in Lahore today. They discussed the importance of building peace bridges across the border. Mr. @ShatruganSinha endorsed concern of the President about the lockdown of occupied Kashmir for more than 200 days. pic.twitter.com/3eiYsqRu4m

— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) February 22, 2020

Sinha – who is also a leader of the opposition party, Indian National Congress – however expressed his happiness after his meeting with the President.

In a series of tweets, he said: “It was a pleasant surprise that we received an invite from the H.E. the President of Pakistan, Dr Arif Alvi, on the last day of our stay at Lahore ... that too just before the marriage reception of our family friend Asad Ehsan’s son Ahmed Asad.”

The legendary actor cum politician is visiting Lahore to attend the wedding of a friend’s son. And, it’s exciting to see that the tension between the neighbouring nuclear powers could not deter him from visiting Lahore.

It was a pleasant surprise that we received an invite from the H.E. the President of Pakistan, Dr. Arif Alvi, on the last day of our stay at Lahore..that too just before the marriage reception of our family friend Mr. Asad Ehsan's son Ahmed Asad. We were very touched by this pic.twitter.com/pzAUAjYnCP

— Shatrughan Sinha (@ShatruganSinha) February 23, 2020

He was invited to the Governor’s House in Lahore to meet Pakistan President Alvi and given security and official protocol during his visit.

“We were very touched by this gesture of the President of Pakistan and we reciprocated it with love, warmth, thanksgiving and an attitude of gratitude. I had attended the Honourable President’s son’s wedding a few years back in Karachi so I have known the family very well,” he tweeted.

But he denied having any political talk with President Alvi.

“It was a great meeting of minds where the Honorable President's wife also joined in. Great gesture indeed! Though the meeting lasted for quite some time, it was purely social, personal and purely a courtesy call to give profound regards.

“We discussed so many things on social and cultural issues but no politics was discussed. Nothing political or official about it. My friends, well-wishers and supporters and of course the media should realize that one shouldn't discuss the politics or policies of countries on foreign soil when one isn't competent, qualified & authorized by the Govt.”