India on Saturday welcomed the verdict in Pakistan’s national elections and said it hoped the new government will work constructively to free South Asia of terror and violence.

“India desires a prosperous and progressive Pakistan at peace with its neighbours,” Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar was quoted as saying by PTI. “We welcome that the people of Pakistan have reposed their faith in democracy through general elections.”

“We hope that the new government of Pakistan will work constructively to build a safe, stable, secure and developed South Asia free of terror and violence,” Kumar added. This is India’s first reaction to the elections in Pakistan.

Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf chief Imran Khan has begun coalition talks to form government at the Centre after his party won 116 of 269 contested seats in the National Assembly. A party needs 137 seats to claim the majority.

The cricketer-turned-politician, in his first public address on Thursday as he claimed victory in the elections, said his government would be ready to improve ties with India and resolve all disputes, including Kashmir, through talks.

The Election Commission of Pakistan released the final results of the elections on Saturday, declaring Khan’s party the single-largest with 116 National Assembly seats, followed by Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) with 64 seats. The Pakistan Peoples Party won 43 seats. A multi-party meeting on Friday rejected the result of the polls alleging rigging and demanded a transparent re-election, threatening country-wide protests.