New Delhi, July 30: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today called Pakistan PM-elect Imran Khan. PM Modi congratulated Khan on his victory.  The Prime Minister in his conversation with the Pakistan's PM-elect, expressed hope that democracy would take deeper roots in Pakistan. The cricketer-turned-politician in his post poll speech on July 26, said that he wanted to improve ties with India. In a televised speech after the elections, he said that every step that India takes would be matched with two steps by Pakistan. Khan said, “We are at square one right now [with India]. If India's leadership is ready, we are ready to improve ties with India. If you step forward one step, we will take two steps forward."

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) party chief in his speech also stressed on putting an end to the blame game by both India and Pakistan. Khan laid special emphasis on Kashmir and said that the Kashmir issue could not be solved through the army. He also said that trade relations between India and Pakistan must improve for better relations between India and Pakistan.

Responding to Imran Khan’s speech, the Ministry of external affairs in a statement said, “India desires a prosperous and progressive Pakistan at peace with its neighbours. We hope that the new Government of Pakistan will work constructively to build a safe, stable, secure and developed South Asia free of terror and violence.” According to the figures provided by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), the PTI won 115 out of the 270 seats on which the elections were held.

The party, however, was short of 22 seats for a simple majority. For reaching the magical figure of 137, PTI is trying to get the support of independents. The 65-year-old Khan will take oath as Pakistan's PM on August 11.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 30, 2018 10:17 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).