Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif will attend the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister- designate Narendra Modi on Monday. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin said that New Delhi has received confirmation from Islamabad on the participation.

The delay in Sharif confirming his attendance is being attributed to opposition from hardliners in the Army establishment. Sharif took the decision to accept the Indian invitation after a series of consultations with his close aides.

Six SAARC countries including Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Bhutan, Nepal, Maldives and Bangladesh have already confirmed their participation.
Mr Modi had invited all the leaders of member-states of the SAARC to the ceremony.

It is for the first time that Heads of foreign countries have been invited to attend the swearing-in ceremony of India's Prime Minister. About three thousand guests are expected to witness the function at the forecourt of the Rashtrapati Bhawan.

Welcoming Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's decision to visit India, Lord Swraj Paul today said, it augurs well for good neigbourly relations and peace in the subcontinent.

He said in London, all Indians and Pakistanis everywhere as well as their well-wishers are delighted that Sharif will be present on this delightful occasion. Leading NRI industrialist Paul said,Modi took a bold step in inviting Sharif whose response also is an excellent gesture.