SRINAGAR, May 12: Opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) today welcomed the “successful completion” of general elections in Pakistan and expressed hope that establishment of a stable and liberal Government in the neighbouring country would help pick up the threads of peace process once again.
“We welcome the successful completion of general elections in Pakistan and express hope that establishment of a stable and liberal Government in that country would help pick up the threads of peace process once again,” PDP patron Mufti Mohammad Sayeed said here.
“I compliment the people of Pakistan for giving democracy a big boost by voting in large numbers in an atmosphere marred by threats of violence. It augurs well not just for the interests of that country, but could well impact Indo-Pakistan relations in a positive manner,” he said.
Nawaz Sharif has been one of the architects of composite dialogue between the two neighbours and his “return to power has raised hopes” of a sincere follow up to the initial progress made on it, Sayeed said.
“Lack of progress on Kashmir resolution” had partly been attributed to instability in Pakistan, but with the arrival of a new Government, the two countries need to capitalise on it, Sayeed said.
Earlier decision by the government on taking travel and trade across LoC to the next level, need to be implemented with a sense of urgency, the former Chief Minister said.
“The decision to extend travel facilities to sections of people other than the divided families, opening up of Kargil-Skardu Road, increasing the frequency of bus services and providing banking and other logistical backup for LoC trade were taken more than two years back and these need to be implemented,” he said.
“I hope that the Prime Minister and his new counterpart in Pakistan would respond positively to the sentiments of people in two countries and take measures for early resumption of composite dialogue with special focus on the problems of J&K,” he added. (PTI)
Trending Now
E-Paper
Follow our WhatsApp channel