Islamabad/New Delhi, April 18 : Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has penned a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressing his desire for peaceful ties between the two nations that he said could be best achieved through peaceful resolution of all outstanding disputes, including Jammu and Kashmir. Citing sources, The Express Tribune on Sunday reported that the letter was in line with the congratulatory tweet where Modi expressed his desire to improve ties in a ‘terror-free” environment. On April 11, Modi congratulated Sharif on being elected as Pakistan prime minister and said “India desires peace and stability in a region free of terror, so that we can focus on our development challenges and ensure the well-being and prosperity of our people”. As per the news report, Sharif wrote back to Modi and voiced similar sentiments. “Reciprocating your sentiments, I wish to convey that Pakistan remains committed to the maintenance of regional peace and security,” Shehbaz said in the letter, reports The Express Tribune. “Pakistan desires peaceful & cooperative ties with India. “Our sacrifices and contributions in fighting and eliminating terrorism are well known and globally acknowledged,” the letter added. Shehbaz acknowledged that peaceful and cooperative ties between Pakistan and India were imperative for the progress and socio-economic uplift of the people of the two countries as well as for the region. “This can be best achieved through meaningful engagement and peaceful resolution of all outstanding disputes, including the core issue of Jammu and Kashmir,” he added. “Let’s secure peace and work for the progress and prosperity of our people.” Joint Opposition candidate Shehbaz Sharif was elected as the 23rd Prime Minister of the country on April 11, following the ouster of PTI’s Imran Khan. MYK