Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday congratulated newly elected Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on becoming the 23rd prime minister of Pakistan.
Following the ouster of Imran Khan from the office of the prime minister, the opposition’s joint candidate Shehbaz was elected as the premier – having secured 174 votes.
In his congratulatory message to Shehbaz on Twitter, PM Modi said: “Congratulations to H. E. Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on his election as the Prime Minister of Pakistan.”
“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 said. In his inaugural speech right after the NA elected him, Shehbaz said that relations with India cannot be strengthened until the Kashmir issue is resolved.
He said Modi should come forward and resolve the Kashmir issue according to the will of the Kashmiris and reiterated that his government will continue to raise its voice for the people of Kashmir. Speaking to Shehbaz over the phone, Turkish President Erdogan said that he was “extremely happy” about him being elected as the premier. “I am sure that under your leadership, Pakistan-Turkey’s brotherly ties will bolster,” said Erdogan. In response, Shehbaz said he wants to bring both countries closer during his tenure as the prime minister.
