Pakistan-India thaw: Nawaz hails resumption of cricket ties

PML-N chief also congratulates envoy on Mukherjee’s election as president.

ISLAMABAD:

The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz chief on Monday welcomed the resumption of cricket ties between Pakistan and India, saying the move would help normalise relations between the two neighbours.

Talking to Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan Sharat Sabharwal in Murree, Nawaz Sharif described the upcoming cricket series between the two countries as a ‘positive and encouraging sign.’

The arch-rivals will resume cricket ties after a gap of five years when Pakistan’s team visit India later this year for one-day and T20 matches.

According to a statement issued by the PML-N office, Nawaz said relations between Pakistan and India on a parity basis were needed for durable peace in the region.

“Both countries can move forward for the development and prosperity of their respective peoples by ensuring good friendly and neighbourly relations,” he added.

Nawaz also congratulated the Indian envoy on the election of Pranab Mukherjee as new President of India.

Sabharwal lauded Nawaz’s commitment to peace in the region, saying that friendly relations between Pakistan and India would help improve the living standards of people of the two countries.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 24^th, 2012.