Khar, Zardari's daughters likely to come to India

Apr 06, 2012 |

IANS

New Delhi

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Rehman Malik may not be the only minister accompanying Pakistani president Asif Ali Zardari on a day-long visit to to India on Sunday. While the composition of his delegation is not official yet, it's likely that Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar and his two daughters may also be coming.

In the first presidential visit from Pakistan in the last seven years, Zardari is likely to be accompanied by an over 40-member delegation that will include Interior Minister Malik, Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir, senior aides, close family members and more than a dozen journalists.

It's not certain Zardari's son Bilawal will be part of the presidential delegation, but Zardari is likely to bring his two daughters, Bakhthawar and Asifa, who are known for their sharp tweets defending their father against his critics.

Earlier, Malik was the only minister expected to accompany Zardari, but with the visit acquiring political overtones, Khar may also be coming, reliable sources said.

If Khar, Pakistan's youngest and first female foreign minister, makes it, it will be her second visit to India. She last came to India for the foreign minister-level talks last July. Khar stole headlines as much for her looks as much as for her diplomatic skills.

Khar's presence could have an added significance as she, along with Malik, are said to enjoy the confidence of Pakistan's powerful military establishment.

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