New govt needs to address foreign policy challenges

Azhar Jadoon (Leader, PTI):

Everything in the country started improving after a balanced and encouraging speech of Imran Khan. A rising trend has been observed in the stock market. The price of US Dollar came down. Imran Khan is the right person who knows how to deal with challenges. The heads of state of different countries have telephoned Imran Khan and congratulated him on the historic victory of his party in general election. Afghan President Ashraf Ghani himself contacted Imran Khan and both the leaders agreed to overcome the differences and to lay a new foundation for a prosperous political, social and economic future of both countries. Imran Khan, in his victory speech also stated that peace in Afghanistan is linked to peace in Pakistan.

Prof. N.D. Khan (Leader, PPP):

I am a democrat and will always stand with democracy. The worst form of democratic system is even better than any form of dictatorship. Our party has always struggled for the strengthening of democratic system in the country. The people of the country have given mandate to PTI and it should be respected. PTI Chairman Imran Khan is an educated person and I hope that his government will deliver as the people of the country have attached hopes with his leadership. I extend my full support to Imran Khan and his government. PTI must have to fulfill its commitments that its leaders have promised with the people during the election campaign. Every political party has its own agenda and manifesto but he needs to ensure the implementation of his party's agenda.

Dr. Arif Alvi (Leader, PTI):

The ambassadors of many countries met with Imran Khan and expressed best wishes. PTI wants to strengthen bilateral relations with all the countries. In order to stabilize economy of the country it is necessary that exports should be increased. So meetings with ambassadors of developed countries will be vital in this regard. We have a stance that Pak-US relations should be balanced. Pakistan at the moment, cannot not afford instable relations with the super power. During his telephonic conversation with Afghan president, Imran Khan conveyed a message that peaceful Afghanistan is in best interest of Pakistan. Meanwhile, Iranian President has also called Imran Khan and invited him to visit Tehran after taking oath as Prime Minister.

Dr. Farhat Haq (Senior Analyst from USA):

The agenda of Prime Minister in waiting Imran Khan is to bring real changes in infrastructure of the country. The meeting of US ambassador in Pakistan with Imran Khan will be vital keeping in view the Pak-US relations. The current US administration is in state of disorder and there are certain lapses in its foreign policy. But in the long run United States will definitely need Pakistan's support for regional peace and stability. Similarly, Pakistan will also need US support to stabilize its economy. Imran Khan, from the day one, has a right stance that only peaceful dialogue process among the main stakeholders in Afghanistan could normalize Afghan situation. United States has also realized the same. Although, United States has imposed sanctions on Iran but in my opinion Pak-Iran relations should not be affected because of it. The upcoming government just needs to focus on strengthening its economy.

Dr. Farooq Hasnat (IR Expert):

It is a routine activity that the ambassadors of different countries are going to congratulate Prime Minister in waiting of Pakistan. The foreign policies, more or less, do not change with the personalities except in exceptional cases. I hope that Imran Khan, after taking oath as Prime Minister will review the ongoing policies in the country. Pakistan needs to eliminate its dependency on IMF but to do it we have to improve our exports. The strong trade relations with developed countries will be vital in this regard. The US foreign policy is never consistent. Although United States has imposed economic and trade sanctions with Iran yet some of its coalition and other countries including China, Russia and Turkey have opposed the decision of United States. Pakistan needs to adopt a balanced approach.

Nadeem Afzal Chan (Leader, PTI):

The international community is hailing Imran Khan as the Prime Minister of Pakistan. Imran Khan has main agenda of stamping out corruption and improvement in governance. We have to make concerted efforts to improve image of Pakistan that has been affected badly by the bad governance of previous governments. We have to work as a nation to take the country towards improvement. The visions of Imran Khan can only be compared to Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto. Imran Khan has got reward for his continuous struggle of 22 years. He is the leader who has given a new mindset to the youth of the country. When the leader of a country is loyal and honest then it is obvious that everyone respects him.