Bengaluru’s warmth and hospitality over the last four days have left a lasting impression on Pakistan's High Commissioner Abdul Basit and his wife Sumaiyya.
“I am taking back great memories of your city. Thank you, Bengaluru, for your warmth and affection. I am humbled by your hospitality,” Mr. Basit said during an interaction with mediapersons on Friday.
The New Delhi-based envoy is on a goodwill visit to the city to promote people-to-people contact.
He said that during their meeting on Thursday, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had accepted in principle his invitation to visit Pakistan. He hoped that the Chief Minister would accept some of the proposals that he made, without enlarging as to what they were.
A meeting with Governor Vajubhai Vala was scheduled for the evening.
"Wherever I visited, I felt from people from all walks of life the keen desire that India and Pakistan settle all problems and have normal and friendly relations with each other. I take back a message of peace and cooperation," Mr. Basit said.
He, along with a handful of aides, is slated to visit Mysuru and Srirangapatna on Saturday. The team is due to fly back to the capital on Saturday night.
While in Bengaluru, the envoy addressed an invited gathering at the Bangalore International Centre, an initiative of The Energy Research Institute; had informal dinner with a select set at Press Club; met students of Mount Carmel College and members of the Urdu Academy.
Overwhelmed by Bengaluru’s warmth and hospitality, says Abdul Basit
