Results of Pakistan’s general elections came as a surprise as most of the political experts believed that none of the parties would be able to take visible lead and there would be a coalition government. Having a look at the pre-election campaigns, two parties seemed to be very strong and it looked as both the parties would give tough time to each other but the results showed that these speculations were almost wrong and the result came out against the expectations of all.

PML (N), lead by two-times Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was able to secure a substantial lead in the elections and thus it is going to make a strong government in the center. On the other hand, cricketing legend Imran Khan’s PTI (Movement for Justice Party) also secured more than 30 seats in the National Assembly and emerged as the second leading party of the country, along with PPPP that had the government in the previous term.

Now it became clear that the party of Nawaz Sharif would be leading the country and thus International leaders congratulated them for their success. President Hamid Karzai also called and congratulated Mian Nawaz Sharif and expressed hopes that the relations of the two nations would improve and both the countries would work in the close coordination to counter terrorism and settle down other issues.

It is very optimistic that successful general elections of Pakistan would not only ensure a better and democratic government in Pakistan but would also be helpful in bringing better conditions in the region. Though the relations deteriorated between the two neighboring nations in the reign of last democratic government, yet a democratic government is far better than a military rule because military governments have mostly started intervention in the internal issues of Afghanistan while a democratic government mostly tries to settle the issues with dialogue.

Recent skirmish between the border forces of the two countries brought the relations between the neighbors to its worst conditions. But it is in the best interest of both the countries that there should be good relations between the two countries and any kind of disagreement should be settled down on the negotiations’ table.

It was a good step by President Karzai to take lead and greet the upcoming government of Pakistan, signaling that Afghanistan is willing to keep good relations with its neighbor. It is hoped that relations between two countries would improve when a new government will come into power that is considered to be more flexible and considerate in keeping good relations with its neighbors.