Talks likely only after Indian polls, says Sharif

There was no India-bashing in the campaign for Pakistan's general election in May, he said. “No word was spoken against India...But Pakistan-bashing is indeed happening in India (in the run up to its general election),” he said. 



“I think both countries need to get out of this. We are already out. The foundation of this was laid by my party. In the 1997 elections also, we maintained this,” he said.  Recalling his recent meeting with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in New York, Sharif said he was now sure that things will change for good.

“After the recent meeting with Manmohan Singh sahab in New York, I am sure that the situation should improve ahead,” he said.

“The Pakistani people want this. Our coming to power is an endorsement of these things.”

Sharif said his party wants peace, friendship and better relations with India. “We have to stay as good neighbours. It is a reality that India is our neighbour and we are India's.  Neighbours cannot be changed. Then if it cannot be changed, then we should stay as neighbours,” he said.  

“I have maintained this before the elections and during my role in the opposition. The policy has not changed. This is our principled position which has not changed after the elections,” he said.