Prime Minister Narendra Modi's unannounced visit to Lahore Friday has been welcomed by several parties, saying it will improve bilateral ties.<br/><br/>The Home Minister Mr. Rajnath Singh described it as a positive step. He said it is an example of Mr. Modi's innovative diplomacy.<br/><br/>Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Saeed has said it is a step in the right direction. In a statement he said it indicates the Prime Minister's resolve to enter into a long-term strategic partnership with Pakistan.<br/><br/>National Conference leader Omar Abdullah has said that re-engagement with Pakistan is a good step. The Moderate Hurriyat Conference Chairman Mirwaiz Omar farooq termed it as positive move.<br/><br/> CPI has welcomed the move saying it will help take forward the Indo-Pak dialogue process. The party's National secretary D. Raja said that dialogue is the only alternative to improve good neighbourly relations.<br/><br/>Former Indian foreign secretary Salman Haider said with this development hopes of good relations between the two countries have grown.<br/><br/>The main opposition party Congress however claimed that government's engagement with Pakistan is frivolous, unpredictable and marked by abrupt "U" turns.<br/><br/>Party leader Manish Tiwari said going from Kabul to Lahore sends a negative signal to Afghan forces, which are fighting Pak sponsored Taliban.<br/><br/>The BJP has hit back saying that the Prime Minister has taken a bold step and only a strong leader like Mr. Modi can do so. Party spokesman Nalin Kohli said that the Prime Minister's visit should be welcomed as good relation between India and Pakistan augur well for regional peace.<br/><br/>BJP ally Shiv Sena has given a sarcastic but cautious reaction. Its MP Sanjay Rout questioned the need and outcome of the visit. He said If the Prime Minister's visit will help in bringing back Dawood Ibrahim, Hafiz Saeed and Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi, the Shiv Sena will welcome it.<br/><br/>JD(U) leader K. C. Tyagi said that he is stunned by the move. He said friendship and betrayal couldn't go hand in hand.<br/><br/>Sections of Pakistan polity and society have also welcomed PM's Lahore stop over.<br/><br/>Mr. Modi's Lahore visit has been welcomed internationally as well. The United States' state department spokesperson said in Washington that improved ties between the two countries will benefit the entire region.<br/><br/>UN Secretary General Ban-Ki-moon also welcomed the Lahore meeting between the two leaders. A UN Spokesperson expressed hope that the bilateral dialogue will be maintained and strengthened.