Sharif seeks to ease strained Indo-Pak ties

Nawaz Sharif, poised to become Prime Minister for a third time after a decisive victory in Pakistan's election has stated that the mistrust that has long dogged relations with India must be tackled. In a brief interaction with journalists in Lahore, Sharif admitted that the fears of a backlash amid hopes of strengthening ties between India and Pakistan must be dealt with. Sharif added that he had a "long chat" with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Sunday. When asked if he would invite Singh for his swearing-in as Prime Minister, Sharif said he would be ecstatic to have his counterpart over for the official ceremony.