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Video Editor: Purnendu Pritam
Imran Khan, chief of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), which has emerged as the single-largest party after the Pakistan elections on 25 July, has declared his victory in the Pakistan General Election 2018.
Pakistan’s World Cup winning-captain on the cricket field started his second innings with a flourish as he addressed his nation – and the world – from Islamabad on 26 July. He raised several important points in his very first post-election speech.
On his Election Victory
Amid protests by other parties alleging election rigging, Khan exuded confidence in Pakistan’s democratic procedures.
He hailed his election win as righting the path Pakistan was walking on and fulfilling founder Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s vision for the nation.
Imran, who joined politics in 1996 after retiring from cricket, has called this result a dream fulfilled.
On Indo-Pak Relationship
Imran stressed the need for a peaceful relationship between the neighbours and reducing tensions that have ratcheted up in recent years, especially along the border and on issues of terrorism.
Pakistan is ready to improve its ties with India, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chief Khan said, asserting that the blame game between the two neighbours, which is detrimental to the sub-continent, should stop.
He said good India-Pakistan relations will be beneficial for the entire region and for increasing trade ties between the two neighbours.
Elephant in the Room – Kashmir
Khan said Kashmir is the "core" issue between the two countries and it should be resolved through talks.
Imran was praised on social media for referring to Kashmir right off the bat, including of avoiding the issue.
(With inputs from PTI)
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