Lt General (R) Senator Abdul Qayyum:

The Senate election is another milestone in the democratic history of Pakistan. Former Chairman Senate Raza Rabbani had performed his duties with full devotion and honesty and it is worth praising. There are some rumors of horse trading that is unfortunate but still PML-N accepted the results and felicitated the newly elected chairman and deputy chairman. Those elements and political parties who are involved in buying and selling are fully exposed and will have to pay in the next general elections. All the political parties have to understand the importance of uprightness in politics. The inclusion of Pakistan’s first Hindu woman in the Senate is the true depiction of Islamic teachings and it is a paramount development in politics of Pakistan.

Dr Muhammad Khan (IR expert):

Pakistan and Iran enjoy cordial bilateral ties and Iran was the first country that recognized Pakistan as an independent state. Iran had also extended great cooperation during Pak-India wars of 1965 and 1970. During the recent visit of Iran’s Foreign Minister to Pakistan, both sides have stressed to boost bilateral cooperation in several fields including trade and defense that is a significant development. India had tried to sabotage Pak-Iran relations during the last decade but it is failed to achieve its goals. There are many religious and cultural commonalities between the two countries that can also help strengthen bilateral ties.