Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday evening tweeted: “Received msg from PM Modi: ‘I extend my greetings & best wishes to the people of Pakistan on the National Day of Pakistan. It is time that ppl of Sub-continent work together for a democratic, peaceful, progressive & prosperous region, in an atmosphere free of terror and violence’.” On a day the NDA government decided to boycott the Pakistan National Day reception at its High Commission’s lawns, Khan disclosed that he had received a message from  Modi where he said that it is time that people of the sub-continent “work together for a democratic, peaceful, progressive & prosperous region, in an atmosphere free of terror and violence”.

Khan tweeted: “I welcome PM Modi’s message to our people. As we celebrate Pakistan Day I believe it is time to begin a comprehensive dialogue with India to address & resolve all issues, esp the central issue of Kashmir, & forge a new relationship based on peace & prosperity for all our people.” People familiar with developments in New Delhi described Modi’s message as a customary message sent to heads of government or state on national days and noted that the focus was on terrorism.

News of PM Modi’s message came hours after the External Affairs Ministry announced that the government would skip the Pakistan National Day reception held in New Delhi after Islamabad did not get respond to concern over its invitation to Kashmiri separatist Hurriyat Conference representatives.