"Indians Can Decide...": Pakistan Is Not Happy With PM Modi's Results

New Delhi : Today, Pakistan declared its wish for friendly and "cooperative ties" with all of its neighbors, including India, and its intention to use dialogue to settle conflicts. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was set to take the oath of office for a third consecutive term the day before Foreign Office spokesman Mumtaz Zahra Baloch made her statements.

The National Democratic Alliance, led by Prime Minister Modi, won 293 seats in the Lok Sabha elections and will lead the government for a record-breaking third term.

When asked if Pakistan had congratulated Prime Minister Modi on winning the election, Ms. Baloch responded that Indian voters had the right to choose their own leaders.

"We have no comments on their electoral process," she stated, adding that it is "premature" to discuss thanking the Indian Prime Minister since the new administration has not yet been sworn in.

Speaking more on Pakistan's relationship with India, Ms. Baloch asserted that Pakistan has always tried to settle any disagreements with its neighbor through amicable discussion.
"Pakistan has always wanted cordial ties with all of its neighbors, especially India. We've got consistently advocated constructive dialogue and engagement to resolve all outstanding issues, including the core dispute of Jammu and Kashmir," she said.

While maintaining that it wants friendly relations with Pakistan, India has insisted that Islamabad must foster an atmosphere free from violence and antagonism in order for such an engagement to take place.

Foreign Minister S Jaishankar stated earlier this year that while India "never closed doors to talking to Pakistan," the topic of terrorism should be "fair, square at the center of the conversation."

"We have never barred communication with Pakistan. What to discuss is the question. The main topic of discussion should be if someone has that many terrorist camps, he stated.