Imran Khan had asserted that he wants better ties between Pakistan and India (IndiaTV)
Imran Khan was sworn-in as Pakistan's 22 prime minister on Saturday (August 18). The crickter-turned-politician was administered the oath by President Mamnoon Hussain at a simple function attended by his partymen and few close friends, including former Indian cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu.
Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) emerged as the single largest party with 116 seats in July 25 elections. Its number increased to 125 after nine independent members joined it and final tally reached 158 after it was allotted 28 out of 60 seats reserved for women and five out of 10 seats reserved for minorities.
Imran Khan, 65, will be leading the third consecutive democratic government in Pakistan since 2008 when military ruler General Pervez Musharraf announced elections after serving as president from 2001 to 2008 following a bloodless coup in 1999.
Soon after election results were declared last month, Imran, in a televised address to the nation, had said that he wants a peaceful and better ties with India.
"If they take one step towards us, we will take two, but at least need a start," Imran Khan had said.
"Kashmiris are suffering for long. We have to solve Kashmir issue by sitting across the table. If India’s leadership is willing then the both of us can solve this issue through dialogue. It will be good for the subcontinent also," Khan, who captained Pakistan cricket team to World Cup glory in 1992, added.
However, experts believe that Imran Khan's idea of having 'better ties' with India could be mere hyperbole as he is backed by the powerful Pakistan army.
WATCH: Imran Khan is Pakistan's 22nd PM
(With inputs from agencies)
