Journalism of Courage
With Pakistan Muslim League (N) chief Nawaz Sharif set to become the Prime Minister of Pakistan,Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Sunday congratulated Sharif and his party for their emphatic victory in Pakistans elections.
In a letter sent on Sunday night,Singh addressed Sharif by his popular name Dear Mian sahib,and said,You have received a strong mandate to lead Pakistan towards a stable,peaceful and prosperous future. I wish you all success in meeting the hopes and expectations of your people as you prepare to assume your new responsibilities.
Singh also congratulated the people and the political parties of Pakistan for braving the threats of violence and voting in large numbers.
This historic election is also significant victory for democracy in Pakistan. The people of India have watched with admiration the people of Pakistan braving violence and strife and turning out in large numbers to affirm their democratic rights. The Pakistani people and the political parties in Pakistan deserve all credit for strengthening the framework of democracy in their country by participating in these elections despite facing enormous challenges, Singh wrote.
He also expressed Indias desire to work with the new government of Pakistan in charting a new course for the relationship between the two countries.
The people of India also welcome your publicly articulated commitment to a relationship between India and Pakistan that is defined by peace,friendship and cooperation. I look forward to working with you and your government to chart a new course and pursue a new destiny in the relations between our countries, he said.
Singh also invited Nawaz Sharif to visit India at a mutually convenient time. He concluded the letter on a personal note,as he said,My wife joins me in extending to you and Begum sahiba our best wishes.
Earlier in the day,External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid hoped that India will continue to have good relations with Pakistan if former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif comes to power after the general elections there.
India welcomes whatever result that comes out of a democratic election. Our government has had relations with Nawaz Sharif, Khurshid said. I hope we can continue to have good relations if he comes to power, he said.
