Seeing Nawaz Sharif comments with 'cautious optimism': BJP

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Tuesday said it viewed the friendly approach of Pakistan's prime minister probable Nawaz Sharif with a "cautious optimism".

Welcoming the "democratic transition" in the neighbouring country, BJP president Rajnath Singh expressed "hope" the agenda for peace was not hijacked.

"Democratic transition of government in Pakistan is a welcome development. I want to congratualate Nawaz Sharif for this," Rajnath Singh said in a statement released here.

"Keeping in view our past experiences from Pakistan, the BJP views Mr. Sharif's statements with cautious optimism," he said.

Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) emerged winner in the general elections of Pakistan, securing the largest number of seats in the National Assembly.

"Mr. Sharif's statement on rebuilding relations with India is a positive one. Since Mr. Sharif has publically started to pick up the peices of 1999 peace process, we hope that the agenda for peace and stability of the region is not hijacked by the vested interest operating from Pakistan," said Rajnath Singh.

"We hope Mr. Nawaz Sharif is able to walk the talk."

The BJP had earlier criticised when Prime Minister Manmohan Singh went ahead to invite Sharif to India Sunday, saying it was a hasty response.