Imran Khan, Congress 'unite' in criticism of Modi-Sharif 'friendship'

A day after Nawaz Sharif was arrested in a corruption case, India's principal opposition party attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his "friendship" with the former Pakistan premier.

"Nawaz Sharif has been arrested on corruption charges. We'd like to know what his dear friend, PM Modi has to say about this," the Congress tweeted along with a photograph of Modi and Sharif walking together holding hands during Modi's visit to Lahore in December 2015.

Modi had landed in Lahore on his way back from Afghanistan to personally greet Sharif on his birthday and also attend the function of Sharif's granddaughter's engagement. This was Modi's first visit to Pakistan.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan has taunted Sharif over his "friendship" with Modi and accused the two of creating the law and order situation in the country and tension at the border to manipulate the situation in favour of the rival PML-N.

The cricketer-turned-politician in a tweet said: "Beginning to wonder why whenever Nawaz Sharif is in trouble, there is increasing tension along Pakistan's borders and a rise in terrorist acts? Is it a mere coincidence?"

Khan's tweet was based on a slogan frequently raised by PTI workers and supporters at its public meetings: "Modi Ka Jo Yaar Hai, Ghaddar Hai, Ghaddar Hai (friend of Modi is a traitor)".

Sharif and his daughter Maryam, both facing lengthy prison terms, were arrested minutes after landing in the country on Friday as they returned seeking to revitalise their flagging party ahead of a July 25 election.

Their return to Pakistan to face the jail term represents a high-stakes gamble, but could shake up an election race riven by accusations Pakistan's powerful military is working behind the scenes to skew the contest in favour of Khan.

Khan condemned a blast on former Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Akram Khan Durrani's convoy in Bannu which left four people dead. Durrani was safe.

He also tweeted about the Mastung suicide bombing which killed 128 people, including Balochistan Awami Party leader Siraj Raisani.