When Nawaz Sharif said, “Vajpayee sahab can win an election in Pakistan also”

New Delhi, Aug 16: The Delhi-Lahore bus on which Atal Bihari Vajpayee travelled was an iconic and historic moment in Indian history. This move was aimed at fostering better ties with Pakistan.

The talks between Vajpayee and then Pakistan prime minister, Nawaz Sharif led to the Lahore declaration in which both sides pledged for a peaceful resolution of bi-lateral disputes. The declaration stated that the two sides would engage in bilateral consultations on security concepts, nuclear doctrines and avoidance of conflicts. The two countries agreed to give advance notification of ballistic missile flight tests and conclude bilateral agreements.

During his visit, Vajpayee visited the Minar-e-Pakistan, a monument that had been set up in 1947 to commemorate the birth of Pakistan. Vajpayee had said that he was dissuaded from visiting this place as it would amount to giving a stamp of approval to the creation of Pakistan. However he said he saw no logic in what he had been told. I had made it clear that that Pakistan does not require my stamp for its entity as it has its own.

At a reception in the Governor's House, Vajpayee recited a poem, 'Ab Jung naa hone denge hum." Following this he delivered a speech, which had managed to impress all. Nawaz Sharif too was so impressed that he walked up to him and said 'Vajpayee sahab ab toh Pakistan mein bhi election jeet sakte hain. (Mr Vajpayee you can win elections even in Pakistan now)