New Delhi: India on Saturday welcomed recently held general elections in Pakistan as it reflects that the people of that country “have reposed their faith in democracy” and expressed hope that the new regime in Islamabad will work to build a South Asia “free of terror and violence”.

“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,” an official spokesperson in the Ministry of External Affairs said here in response to a question.

“We welcome that the people of Pakistan have reposed their faith in democracy through general elections,” he said adding in fact India would desire that a “prosperous and progressive” Pakistan at peace with its neighbours.

This is first official reaction from the Indian government since the Pakistan election results are out since July 26.