Islamabad : Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif Sunday congratulated Afghanistan over the successful conduct of presidential elections.
He said making decisions through the ballot box by the Afghan people reflected their determination and keen interest in adopting a democratic culture. He emphasised that participation in the process by the Afghan people would play a significant role in bringing peace and stability to the region.
“Pakistan would not only help and support Afghanistan in strengthening democracy, but also work in collaboration with the new leadership in Afghanistan for bringing peace and tranquillity in the region,” Xinhua quoted Sharif as saying.
Afghans voted in landmark presidential and provincial council elections despite Taliban threats and bad weather.
The Pakistan prime minister expressed the hope that a peaceful transfer of would take place in Kabul. He also hoped the elections will be instrumental in bringing unity and harmony to the war-torn people.
Foreign Office spokesperson Tasnim Aslam said in a statement that the people of Afghanistan have braved the security threat and inclement weather and turned up in millions to exercise their democratic rights to choose their future leadership.
On Saturday, nearly seven million Afghans, out of 12 million eligible voters, cast their ballots in the third presidential and provincial councils elections, according to poll officials.