Heart surgery done; World leaders say 'Get well soon, Sharif'

Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had successful open-heart surgery in London and is expected to return to his country by the end of this month. Leaders from across the world have wished him a speedy recovery.

The surgery took place on Tuesday and according to the premier's family, he was recovering fast.

Never to shy away from displaying his warmth towards Nawaz Sharif, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent flowers and wished for speedy recovery to Sharif, the pakistan foreign affairs ministry spokesman tweeted.

The Pakistan foreign office on Thursday acknowledged Modi's wishes: "PM Narendra Modi sent flowers to PM Nawaz Sharif along with message 'All good wishes to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif for his speedy recovery'."

United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon was also quick to send a letter and convey his regards to the head of Pakistani government, the spokesperson's tweeter feed acknowledged.

Other leaders across the globe also sent their best wishes to Sharif.

In a letter to Sharif, British Prime Minister David Cameron said: "I am sorry to hear that you have been unwell and undergoing treatment in London", adding that he was looking forward to meet him.

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan phoned Shairf to wish him well.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani tweeted a message of support to his regional counterpart.

The foreign office spokesperson shared British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond's best wishes.

Messages of support and good wishes to Sharif were also sent by Russian President Vladimir Putin and Tajik President Emomali Rahmon.

--IANS

ahm/vt