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Musharraf, Sehba fall in love with Taj

The architectural splendour of the Taj Mahal bewitched the tough soldier in the Pakistani president, who confessed that it was "love at first sight" for him.

"Magnificent, marvellous," said the president after spending nearly an hour at the monument of love with his wife.

A relaxed first couple of Pakistan drove the short distance from their hotel to the Taj shortly after the president had engaged in discussions with Vajpayee lasting nearly three hours.

On a humid and windy afternoon, the Musharrafs sat on the lovers' bench in front of the monument, as the world press eagerly clicked the moment. President Musharraf ran his fingers through his hairs more than once and waved to cameramen.

VVIPs they were, but the Pakistani president, attired in a casual short-sleeved off-white shirt and black trousers, and his wife in a peach coloured salwar-kameez, were left alone by the security to savour some private moments.

The president pointed out the marvels of the Taj to his wife as they walked holding each other's hands.

The Musharrafs spent about 15 minutes in the mausoleum where the actual graves of Shahjahan and his wife Mumtaz Mahal was opened for the first time since former American president Bill Clinton's visit last year.

An awestruck Musharraf wrote in the visitor's book: "Visit to one of the seven wonders of the world - the Taj Mahal - was a most unique experience. The beauty in its symmetry was most exhilarating. The monument proves the genius and aesthetics of the builder - Emperor Shahjahan. We indeed are lucky to have visited it."

And the Begum wrote: "This unique structure endorses the unique talents and industry of all mankind. Exquisite."

Archaeologist Mohammad K K, who guided the Musharraf couple at the Taj, told reporters later that the Pakistan president was impressed by the inlay and jali work at the monument and was surprised to hear that the name of the craftsman was Ustad Ahmed Lahori and that Shahjahan was born in Lahore.

The tombs, which had been closed after American president Bill Clinton's visit to India early last year, were specially opened for the military ruler's visit.

Indo-Pak Summit 2001: The Complete Coverage

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