India on Saturday welcomed the result of the general elections in Pakistan and urged the new government in Islamabad to end terrorism in South Asia.
“We hope that the new government of Pakistan will work constructively to build a safe, stable, secure and developed South Asia free of terror and violence. India desires a prosperous and progressive Pakistan at peace with its neighbours,” said External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar, hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi returned from a trip to Africa.
This is the first official statement from India since the July 25 election in which Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf led by former cricketer Imran Khan emerged as the single largest party.
Mr. Khan, in his televised comments, has extended a hand of friendship to India. “We welcome that the people of Pakistan have reposed their faith in democracy through general elections,” the spokesperson said.
