Musharraf wishes Vajpayee speedy recovery

Former Pakistan president Pervez Musharraf has sent a speedy recovery message and a bouquet to former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who was recently discharged from hospital after undergoing treatment for pneumonia.

Musharraf sent the bouquet to 84-year-old Vajpayee, who was discharged from the AIIMS last week after almost a month of stay at the intensive care unit, through an aide of the Pakistani leader.

"He has attached a personal note with the flowers wishing the BJP leader a speedy recovery," Vajpayee's office said.

The retired Army General, who ruled Pakistan for nine years till last August, and Vajpayee, the then prime minister, had launched the Composite Dialogue Process between the neighbour countries in 2002.

India put the dialogue on hold after the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, which New Delhi has blamed on Pakistan-based elements, including the Lashker-e-Taiba terror group.

Before embarking on the India visit, Musharraf had said he had no plans to meet any Indian leaders except the ailing former prime minister as he was not on a political visit.

"Vajpayee is ill and if I get an opportunity, I would like to meet him," he had said.