India ready to resume peace process with new Pak govt: Pranab

New Delhi, Mar 3 (UNI) India ''stands ready'' to resume the composite dialogue process with Pakistan ''as soon as'' a duly constituted government is in place in the neighbouring country, External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee informed the Lok Sabha today.

Observing that the recent elections in Pakistan had enabled its people to express their ''wishes clearly and in a democratic manner,'' Mr Mukherjee said India remained hopeful that the two countries would resolve their differences through peaceful negotiations.

''It remains our hope that we would be able to resolve outstanding issues and build a mutually beneficial relationship with Pakistan in an atmosphere free of violence and terrorism,'' the Minsiter said in a suo motu statement on foreign policy-related developments since the conclusion of the winter session of Parliament in December.

On the assassination of former Pakistan Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto at an election rally in a ''despicable terrorist'' attack, he said India shared the anguish of the people of that country.

UNI SN MIR KP1336