The murky poll outcome is not conducive to pursuing a robust foreign policy, especially with India. The foreign ministry will need to lean heavily on the military establishment for guidance.
The 74-year-old former PM is campaigning across the country, vowing to position Pakistan as an economic powerhouse in Asia ahead of general elections on 8 February.
Sustainable peace in the Middle East will depend on Gulf countries normalising ties with Israel and moving toward a two-state solution for Palestine. Arab nations must seize the initiative.