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.
