Pakistan PM likely to attend Modi's swearing-in ceremony: sources

New Delhi: Keeping the speculations alive on the presence of Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif at the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister-designate Narendra Modi, sources say that Sharif is all set to accept the invitation of his Indian counterpart in Delhi.

The schedule of the Pakistani Prime Minister is not confirmed yet but it is likely to be a short visit. Sharif's Advisor on Foreign Affairs and National Security, Sartaj Aziz, is expected to make an announcement in the morning and is also expected to send across his confirmation to the Indian authorities.

If confirmed, this will be the first time a Pakistan PM will attend the swearing in of an Indian counterpart.

This development comes even as the controversy continues over the attendance of Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapakse for the ceremony.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa is likely skip the swearing in while Tamil parties the DMK and MDMK have opposed the visit saying that his presence would hurt the feelings of the Tamil people.

According to Pakistan government sources, there is no other agenda except attending the function at the Rashtrapati Bhawan. Sharif is expected to have ignored all advice and suggestions and decided this.

The reason for the delay in taking a final decision is likely due to hard-line elements in the military establishment who are pushing against such a visit. "On the whole I think that it would be a good idea for him to respond to this positive lead. It won't change the game between the two countries yet it will start off an important journey," said Sherry Rehman.