“The Indian Prime Minister came to Lahore and gave us his few hours. It is high time the countries put aside their hostilities,” Mr Sharif said. Speaking to reporters after the inauguration of a crucial road link in Balochistan, Mr Sharif said: “Goodwill gestures are the solution to many an ill.”

The Pakistan prime minister's comments came a day after his Advisor on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz said that foreign secretaries of India and Pakistan will meet in Islamabad on January 14-15 to prepare a schedule of meeting for the comprehensive dialogue covering Jammu and Kashmir and other issues.

The Pakistani prime minister also thanked PM Modi for visiting Lahore last week.

PM Modi had sprung a surprise when he visited Lahore on the occasion of Mr Sharif's 66th birthday and his granddaughter's wedding on December 25.

- AFP