- PTI needs support of at least 22 seats in National Assembly to establish a majority
- Poll figures show PTI is single largest party in Pakistan’s assembly
DHAKA: Experts in Bangladesh say the country is keen on a stable government in Pakistan. Given “the historic relations we’ve had with Pakistan, the people of Bangladesh are always keen observers of Pakistani politics,” said Dr. Delwar Hossain, who teaches international relations at Dhaka University and is an expert on the Indian subcontinent.
Imran Khan, whose party won Pakistan’s general election this week, “has a very diverse background: A successful cricketer-turned-politician, an Oxford graduate but apparently soft toward religious extremist groups,” said Hossain. “Combining all these things might be something new.”
Hossain added: “In recent years, Pakistan has intervened in some of Bangladesh’s internal political affairs, which created diplomatic tensions between the two countries.”
He said: “If the new government changes its stand regarding Bangladesh, only then can we expect a better diplomatic relationship.”
Former Bangladeshi Ambassador Mohammad Jamir said: “I hope that with this new election Pakistan will move forward in the way of achieving stability, because any instability hampers regional relationships.”
Jamir added: “Khan has to keep in mind that to build a stable South Asia, everybody needs to work together.”
Shammi Ahmed, international affairs secretary of the ruling Bangladesh Awami League, said Dhaka “will continue the same diplomatic relationship with Pakistan no matter who comes to power.”