Pak PM offers prayers at Ajmer dargah amid protest by traders

Image
Press Trust Of India Ajmer
Last Updated : Mar 09 2013 | 10:46 PM IST
Pakistan Prime Minister Raja Parvez Ashraf on Saturday offered prayers at the dargah of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti during his private visit here, that was marked by protests.

The brief trip of 62-year-old Ashraf to the 13th century shrine hit a sour note following a boycott by the Dargah's spiritual head in protest against the recent brutal killing and beheading of Indian soldiers by the Pakistani Army.

Opposing the Pakistan premier's visit that was marked by tight security, local lawyers, some BJP activists and representatives of markets associations staged protests and shouted anti-Pakistan slogans. After he offered a 'chadar' and floral tributes, Ashraf prayed for peace in the world and prosperity in Pakistan.

"Me and my family members are fortunate to get the opportunity to visit the dargah. I wish for peace in the world and for peace and prosperity in Pakistan," the PM wrote in Urdu in the visitors book.

Ashraf along with his wife Nusrat and over 20 others including his relatives offered prayers at the Dargah and stayed inside the historic shrine for about 30 minutes.

Lavish Rajasthani flavour for lunch

It was an all-Rajasthani affair that was spread out for the Pakistan PM and his 40-member entourage here who had lunch with External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid. From lip-smacking 'Ker Sangri' to mouth-watering 'lal mass', the Pakistani delegation were treated to an assorted 'thali' of Rajasthan's finest delicacies. The lunch was held at the Rambagh Palace. Set amidst elegant historical gardens spread over 47 acres, the palace, built by Maharaj Sawai Man Singh II, has been turned into a luxury hotel. pti

During the over one-hour luncheon meeting, the guests savoured on 'Dhundaar Murg', 'Makkai Shahjadi', 'Dal Banjari', 'Misi Roti', 'Khushka Naan' among others. For desserts, one had the option of the exquisite 'rabri malpua' and 'malai kulfi'. Ashraf had landed in Jaipur from where he went to the Ajmer Sharif shrine and prayed for peace in his country.

*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Mar 09 2013 | 9:35 PM IST

Next Story