People's Democratic Party (PDP) president and former Jammu and Kashmir CM Mehbooba Mufti (PTI photo)

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti on Saturday appealed PM Narendra Modi to accept the "hand of friendship" extended by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chief Imran Khan in order to end bloodshed in the state.

Khan, in his first public address after leading his party to victory in the elections, said Pakistan is ready to improve its ties with India and resolve all disputes, including the "core issue" of Kashmir, through talks.

"A new government will be formed in Pakistan and there will be a new PM, who has extended a hand of friendship towards India. He (Khan) spoke of dialogue. He (Modi) should respond to it positively," Mufti said at a rally here.

