Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari will host a special Diwali dinner for Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on learning that his meeting with the visiting Indian leader coincided with the Hindu festival of lights.
Kumar and his delegation were earlier scheduled to call on Zardari at the presidency this evening and the meeting was to be followed by a formal dinner hosted by the Foreign Ministry.
On finding out that he would be meeting Kumar on the occasion of Diwali, Zardari decided to host a special dinner for the Indian delegation at the presidency.
The President's decision reflected the importance being attached to Kumar's visit by the Pakistan People's Party-led government at the centre.
Zardari has taken a personal interest in pushing for better ties with India, especially in trade and commerce.
In a special message on the occasion of Diwali, Zardari greeted Hindus and called for strengthening interfaith harmony and protecting the rights of minorities. The festival of lights is a time for celebration and reflection, he said.
The Bihar Chief Minister began a week-long visit to Pakistan on Friday.
Over the weekend, Kumar has shared his experiences in improving governance in Bihar with functionaries of the southern province of Sindh.
Kumar toured the historic site of Mohenjodaro, visited an ancient Hindu temple and addressed a Hindu panchayat in Sindh.
He has also spoken of the need for India and Pakistan to co-exist peacefully and work for good governance.
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