Exclusive | Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif reciprocates to Indian counterpart Narendra Modi's letter

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday (April 16) reciprocated to a letter written to him by his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi.

''I wish to thank you for your greetings and good wishes on my assumption of office as the Prime Minister of Pakistan,'' Shehbaz said in his letter.

''Reciprocating your sentiments, I wish to convey that Pakistan remains committed to the maintenance of regional peace and security,'' he added.

In picture: Letter written by Shehbaz Sharif to Narendra Modi

Calling for peace and cooperation between the two countries, PM Modi had earlier expressed hope for the socio-economic development of the region.

''India desires peace and stability in a region free of terror, so that we can focus on our development challenges and ensure the well-being and prosperity of our people,'' he had said.

In response, Shebaz said ''This can be best achieved through meaningful engagement and peaceful resolution of all outstanding disputes.''

Previously, Modi had congratulated Sharif for winning the vote to become the next prime minister of Pakistan in the country's National Assembly.

In response, Sharif tweeted “Pakistan desires peaceful & cooperative ties with India. Peaceful settlement of outstanding disputes including Jammu & Kashmir is indispensable. Pakistan’s sacrifices in fighting terrorism are well-known. Let’s secure peace and focus on socio-economic development of our people.”

When Sharif took an oath, he mentioned the abrogation of Article 370 in Kashmir saying Pakistan will provide ''diplomatic and moral support'' to the people in the valley.

“We want good ties with India but durable peace is not possible until the Kashmir dispute is resolved,” he added.

Sharif had also attacked former Prime Minister Imran Khan for not making ''serious and diplomatic efforts'' in the case of Kashmir.

Also read | From 'threat letter' to China ties to Kashmir issue: Key points from Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif's address

He said India and Pakistan should focus on tackling unemployment, poverty, the shortage of medicines, and other issues on the two sides of the border.

Shehbaz, who is the brother of former Pakistani premier Nawaz Sharif, has served as the chief minister of Punjab thrice.

Nawaz Sharif had a good equation with PM Modi. In 2015, Modi attended a function at his house in Pakistan during his flight to Afghanistan. It was the first visit by an Indian leader to Pakistan in more than a decade.

The previous Indian leader to do so was former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee who visited Lahore in 1999 and met Nawaz Sharif.

Both nuclear-armed neighbours India and Pakistan have fought several wars since their independence.