Pakistani leadership praises peaceful polls and signals enhanced regional cooperation

ISLAMABAD: Asif Ali Zardari and Shehbaz Sharif congratulated the people of Bangladesh and the victorious Bangladesh Nationalist Party following the successful conduct of parliamentary elections, which delivered a decisive majority to the BNP-led alliance.

In separate statements, Zardari extended his congratulations to BNP leader Tarique Rahman on his party’s significant electoral win and his expected rise as the country’s next prime minister. He also praised Bangladeshi voters for ensuring peaceful and orderly elections, describing the democratic exercise as a positive step for regional progress.

According to a statement issued by Pakistan’s presidency, Islamabad reaffirmed its commitment to democratic engagement and mutual development with Bangladesh. Zardari emphasized that the elections provide an opportunity for South Asian nations to move beyond historical challenges and strengthen regional cooperation.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his message, conveyed congratulations on behalf of Pakistan’s government and people, expressing his desire to work closely with Bangladesh’s incoming leadership. He said enhanced collaboration could further strengthen historic and fraternal ties between the two countries while promoting shared goals of peace, stability, and economic development across the region.