MANAMA: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said Thursday that his government made sincere efforts to improve relations with the new government in India, but the efforts were not reciprocated, said a report published on Radio Pakistan.

Addressing a gathering of overseas Pakistanis in Bahrain, the premier said India cancelled the foreign secretary level talks with Pakistan on the pretext of the Pakistani High Commissioner's meeting with the Kashmir leadership, which has been a practice for 60 years.

Take a look: India calls off foreign secretary level talks with Pakistan

He underscored that Pakistan desires to have good relations with all neighbours.

Terrorism should be eliminated from country: PM

The PM said terrorism should be eliminated from the country for Pakistan's economic progress.

He said that Operation Zarb-i-Azb was launched after failure of peace talks with militants, which did not succeed because they were not ready to lay their arms. He added that the operation has yielded encouraging results.

Afghanistan has promised to cooperate with Pakistan in war against terror, says PM

The PM said that Afghan President Ashraf Ghani had promised to cooperate with Pakistan in the war against terror, adding that Pakistan would also reciprocate.

Recalling his meeting with Ghani in Islamabad, Nawaz said they had resolved not to let the soil of the two countries be used against each other.

Gas shortage will be met on priority basis: Nawaz

Referring to steps taken by the government for the welfare of the people, Nawaz said prices of petroleum products and electricity have been reduced. He also said that the decrease in petroleum prices has left a positive impact on many areas — including industry, agriculture, and prices of day-to-day commodities.

The PM further said that several mega projects, such as Bhasha Dam, are being implemented to resolve the energy crisis, adding that the shortage of gas will also be met on a priority basis.

Nawaz pointed out that the economy is reflecting positive indicators with reserves, exports, revenue and investment increasing. He underscored that stock exchange is also showing positive signs.