Paris: Former Pakistan Prime Minister Mohammad Nawaz Sharif said on Tuesday that he would love to visit India, but the political situation in Pakistan and his self-imposed exile prevented him from making a trip.
Sharif recalled his meetings with former Prime Ministers Atal Behari Vajpayee and Inder Kumar Gujral. "I would love to come to India. Yes, I had a great relationship with Mr Vajpayee and Mr Gujral, and I am looking forward to renewing these associations. But, I have to go to Pakistan first before thinking of coming to India," Sharif said.
Pakistan had much to learn from India about promoting democratic ideals and systems. India could play a role in alleviating the political crisis in Baluchistan, he said.
"My message to the Indian Government is that it should encourage democracy in all parts of the (South Asian) region. It should encourage the restoration of democracy in Pakistan and an end to military rule. It is only by restoring democracy in Pakistan that any progress can be made in bilateral ties that are presently stalled," he said.
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