India on Saturday said it “welcomed” the verdict in Pakistan’s national elections, hoping the that new government in the neighbouring country will work towards prosperity and peace.
“We welcome that the people of Pakistan have reposed their faith in democracy through general elections,” an external affairs ministry spokesperson said in a statement.
Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Saturday emerged as the single largest party in the general elections, winning 116 National Assembly seats out of the contested 270 parliamentary constituencies, according to the election commission’s final results. PTI is short of the 137 needed for a simple majority.
“India desires a prosperous and progressive Pakistan at peace with its neighbours. 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,” the statement said.
Khan, a vocal critic of the US, has said he would fix governance issues and Pakistan’s ailing economy, reset relations with US and work for peace with India.
“I really want to fix our ties, you take one step forward, we will take two,” Khan had said in a televised victory speech in Islamabad on Thursday. In that speech, he had also singled out Kashmir as a “hurdle” in relations.
{{/usCountry}}“I really want to fix our ties, you take one step forward, we will take two,” Khan had said in a televised victory speech in Islamabad on Thursday. In that speech, he had also singled out Kashmir as a “hurdle” in relations.
{{/usCountry}}The final announcement of results of the parliamentary polls held on July 25 has been marred by delays, causing anger among the leaders of losing parties which levelled allegations of fraud.
Thirteen independent candidates have also won and would play important roles as the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) needs their support to form the government at the Centre.