Asif MahmoodBangladesh is not just a friendly country for Pakistan; it is a nation with which emotional, cultural and historical bonds still exist. It is within this context that the question has emerged: should Pakistan withdraw from the World Cup in solidarity with Bangladesh amid tensions involving India? Withdrawing from the World Cup, on the other hand, would be a strategic misstep. Pakistan’s support for Bangladesh should be vocal, consistent and principled, but it should not come at the cost of its own national interests. In international politics, especially where sport is involved, wisdom lies not in dramatic gestures but in calculated restraint.

Source: The Patriot January 26, 2026 00:02 UTC