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Narendra Modi should talk to Nawaz Sharif, not Gen. Raheel: Imran Khan

Imran confirmed when asked if he spoke about resumption of cricket series between the two countries. He said he asked Modi to help resume the bilateral cricket.

Islamabad: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan met on Friday Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi and invited him to visit Pakistan.
According to Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Vikas Swarup, both leaders welcomed recent developments in bilateral relations, and expressed hope that these would lead to closer cooperative ties between the two countries. The meeting took place in response to Modi's request.
Later participating in a programme organised by India Today, Imran said he underpinned the need for continuing the dialogue process uninterrupted, notwithstanding any hurdles and setbacks.
Imran confirmed when asked if he spoke about resumption of cricket series between the two countries. He said he asked Modi to help resume the bilateral cricket.
"The prime minister gave a broad smile in response. Though I could not decipher it, I take it positively," Khan said.
The PTI chief said an overwhelming majority of people in both countries want good relations.
Imran Khan said army chief Gen. Raheel Sharif is popular because under him an across the board operation is being successfully conducted to eliminate terrorism. It, however, does not mean that the people want him to take over power.
Asked if Modi should talk to Nawaz Sharif or Raheel Sharif, given the pre-eminence of the security establishment in Pakistan, Imran Khan said he should talk to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif only. He did not agree that a civil-military strife is underway in Pakistan and believed that both are on same page.
He said leaders with courage and vision are needed to rise above narrow prejudices and marginalise extremist elements who resist change for the better. Besides trade, people-to-people contacts through liberal visa regimes, cross-border movement, exchange or artists and sportsmen are imperative to creating an atmosphere of peace and cooperation in the region.
He said after bitter experience of military rules, there is now a national consensus in Pakistan that only democracy is the best choice for the country. A free and vibrant media and an independent judiciary have taken roots. What is lacking is establishment of a credible and impartial system of elections as is the case in India. He hope that his party would win in such an atmosphere.
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