Security beef up in Lahore ahead of Modi's visit

Lahore, Dec 25: Pakistani authorities today put security on high alert in Lahore especially around the airport area following the announcement of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's brief visit to the city.

A PM House spokesman confirmed that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif will receive his Indian counterpart at the Lahore airport who is expected to reach here around 2.45 PM (3.15 PM IST) from Afghanistan.

"PM Modi's plane is scheduled to arrive at the Lahore airport shortly," the spokesman said, adding that the Indian premier would stay in Lahore for about two hours.

Meanwhile, heavy contingent of police and Pakistan Rangers have reached the Allama Iqbal International Airport and taken charge of the security. "Security in Lahore has been put on high alert," a senior police official said.

He said police have also been deployed on the adjoining areas of the airport. A PML-N source told PTI that Sharif had invited Modi to attend the marriage of his granddaughter Mehrun Nisa which is taking place today at the Sharif's Raiwind palatial residence of Raiwind.

"I cannot confirm but there are chances that Modi goes to Raiwind and holds meeting with PM Sharif at his residence," he said.

Earlier, Foreign Office spokesman Qazi Khalilullah said, "Yes, we have been informed by the Indian High Commission that PM Narendra Modi would stop over in Lahore to meet our PM today. Details are being worked out."

PTI