In order to develop friendly relationship between the two countries, I.K.Gujral and Nawaz Sharif decided to visit each other’s country regularly.
The first visit was by Nawaz to India. There Gujral showed him Indians
modern telecommunication systems. It was so good that Nawz made a call to
Rajiv Gandhi in hell and talked to him for 5 minutes ! The bill for the call
came to only Re.1.
When Nawaz came back, he also wanted Pakistan’s telecommunication systems to be
at the best when Gujral visited Pak. Suitable arrangements were made.
Gujral came to Pakistan, visited the telecom department and talked to Gandhi
in hell for 5 minutes. But this time, the bill was Rs. 500!
Gujral asked with a sarcastic smile - ‘Why are telephone calls to hell so
costly in Pak ?’
A High level diplomat gave a smiling reply - ‘From India to hell, it is a
local call, Sir, while from Pak it is long distance!’