PDP welcomes Sharif's decision to attend Modi's swearing-in

Srinagar, May 24: Welcoming Pakistan premier

's decision to attend Prime Minister elect Narendra Modi's oath-taking ceremony,

today hoped it will be a new beginning in Indo-Pak ties which would lead to progress on resolution of

and other issues.

"We welcome the decision of Pakistan premier to participate in the swearing-in ceremony of Modi as Prime Minister (on Monday)." "We hope that the two PMs would be able to carry the public opinion in their countries and respond positively to the need for a dignified and lasting peace in the sub-continent," PDP chief Mehboob Mufti said in a statement.

Referring to the stalled peace process initiated by the former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, she said the new beginning should lead to progress on resolution of Kashmir and other issues and the Confidence Building Measure (CBMs) along the Line-of-Control (LoC) need to be carried further.

"There is a need for a sustained dialogue which should not get interrupted by the events as has been case in the past," she added. Mehbooba said while Modi's initiative of inviting all SAARC leaders was a welcome step, the focus of attention remained as to how the Pakistan Prime Minister would respond to the invite.

"Nawaz Sharif by accepting the invitation with grace and showing respect to Modi's initiatives has introduced an element of much needed positivity to the Modi's stint as the PM of the country," she added. She said the occasion would introduce a lot of positivity in the relations of the two neighbouring countries.

"Unfortunately, Kashmir has been the worst victim of the hostilities between the two," Mehbooba said, adding, for Jammu and Kashmir that would be the biggest gift of the new PM and it could work as a major Confidence Building Measure for developing a more inclusive agenda for his government.

PTI