Modi congratulates Imran Khan on phone, talks about development, peace
What's the story
Prime Minister Narendra Modi called Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan, on Monday, to congratulate him on his victory in the recently concluded general elections. Modi's call comes days after Khan said that the key to a peaceful relationship is with India. Notably, Khan also announced that he will take the oath as Pakistan's Prime Minister on August 11.
The call
Modi hopes democracy takes 'deeper roots in Pakistan'
An official statement released by the Ministry of External Affairs said PM Modi hoped 'democracy will take deeper roots in Pakistan'. Further, Modi also spoke about the peace and development in the neighborhood, which the MEA said, was in lines with the Centre's motto 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas'. It's not known how long the two leaders spoke for.
Twitter Post
MEA releases statement about Modi's conversation with Khan
PM @narendramodi spoke to Mr. Imran Khan, Chairperson of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf Party. pic.twitter.com/fQHNLd7QTm
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) July 30, 2018
Looking back
Earlier, Khan had said blame game needed to stop
After PTI secured 116 out of 270 seats, Khan said the blame game needed to stop. "If India takes one step towards us, we will take two steps toward them...but at least (we) need a start," Khan had said. He had also said Kashmir was a core issue. He quipped he was made a 'Bollywood villain' by Indian media, which hurt him.
The reception
Khan thanks PM Modi for call, speaks about dialogue
After the call, PTI released a statement which said Khan thanked the Indian PM for his wishes. "The solution to conflicts should be found through dialogue," Khan reportedly told Modi. Further, he said, "War and bloodshed instead of resolving conflicts give birth to tragedies." He is also reported to have told Modi about a joint strategy to free people from poverty.
Aftermath
Meanwhile, PTI spokesperson claims Khan has support of others
Khan's party emerged as the single largest party but is still short of a majority to form a government. Fawad Chaudhry, PTI spokesperson, said the party enjoys the support of 168 members, including minority seats and women. Jailed former PM Nawaz Sharif's PML(N) won 64 seats and former President Asif Ali Zardari's PPP got just 43 seats in the July 25 elections.