PM, ISPR, CEC felicitate nation on successful conduct of polls

ISLAMABAD/RAWALPINDI: Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar, ISPR, Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja, Federal Minister for Information, Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs Murtaza Solangi on Thursday congratulated the nation over the successful conduct of General Elections 2024.

The caretaker prime minister said that the high voter turnout was a clear indication of public commitment to shaping the country’s future. “The participation and enthusiasm of the people of Pakistan have been the cornerstone of this democratic exercise. The high voter turnout is a clear indication of public commitment to shaping the future of our country,” the prime minister wrote on his X timeline after the polling ended after a smooth and peaceful process across the country.

He appreciated the efforts of the Election Commission of Pakistan, interim provincial governments, armed forces, civil armed forces, police, law enforcement agencies, election staff, media and all those institutions and individuals who contributed to the conduct of free and fair elections.

Prime Minister Kakar said that the momentous occasion was not just a testament to the resilience and strength of the country’s democratic processes but also the indomitable spirit of the Pakistani people.

He said that the voices, expressed through the votes, would contribute to the fortification of the country’s democracy and, for that, the people of Pakistan deserved every bit of appreciation.

Prime Minister Kakar said that despite few incidents of terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, the efforts of armed forces, civil armed forces, LEAs, civilian administration and Election Commission of Pakistan for conducting free and fair elections across the country were commendable. “Their unwavering commitment to their duties has been instrumental in the smooth conduct of the elections.”

He said that in the face of adversity, the people of Pakistan had shown remarkable courage and determination. He said that the institutions’ resolve in the aftermath of the recent terrorism incidents continuing to participate in the electoral process, was a powerful statement against the forces that sought to destabilise the nation. “It underscores our collective desire for peace, stability and prosperity,” he added.

“Once again, I congratulate the nation on this historic achievement. May this election be a harbinger of a brighter, more prosperous future for Pakistan,” the prime minister remarked.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Kakar visited various polling stations in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. During his visit, he reviewed the electoral process and facilities provided to the voters. The prime minister expressed satisfaction over the law & order situation in the electoral process and the facilities provided to the voters.

Meanwhile, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of Pakistan Army, has congratulated the nation on peaceful ad violence-free conduct of general elections in the country. The armed forces, alongside other Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs), are proud to have played a pivotal role in providing security during conduct of the sacred electoral process in aid of civil power and in accordance with the Constitution of Pakistan, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) in a statement said. “We extend heartfelt congratulations to the nation on the generally peaceful and violence free conduct of the general elections,” the statement said.

The ISPR said that with the deployment of 137,000 army personnel and civil armed forces at approximately 6,000 selected most-sensitive polling stations and over 7,800 QRFs, a safe and secure environment for the public was ensured.

Despite 51 cowardly terrorist attacks, mostly in KP and Balochistan, aimed at disrupting the electoral process, the soldiers remained resolute and effectively ensured peace and security across Pakistan.

Through proactive intelligence manoeuvres and swift action, many potential threats were neutralized, underscoring the unwavering commitment of security agencies to protect the democratic rights of citizens.

The ISPR also paid gratitude is owed to other law enforcement agencies that worked hand in hand with the armed forces to safeguard the democratic process. “It is our fervent hope that our sacrifices would not be in vain and this election will serve as a catalyst for further strengthening democracy in Pakistan and that it will pave the way for the realization of the aspirations of the people of Pakistan,” the ISPR said.

Meanwhile, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja has congratulated the entire nation on the peaceful conduct of the elections and thanked the Almighty Allah for the success of the Commission in fulfilling the most important national duty and constitutional responsibility like peaceful conduct of elections.

In his message to the nation, the CEC thanked the people of Pakistan and all the institutions including the caretaker national and provincial governments, political parties, security agencies, police and civil administration, Pakistan Army, national media, voters, returning officers, presiding officers and other polling staff as well as respected members of the Election Commission, colleagues and their team whose hard work has succeeded in fulfilling this great responsibility.

Meanwhile, Federal Minister for Information, Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs Murtaza Solangi said on Thursday that the enthusiastic turnout in the general elections was not only a testament to the strengthening democracy in the country but also marked a significant milestone in its history.

Congratulating the entire nation on the successful completion of the polling process of the general elections 2024, he said in a policy statement on elections that on Thursday the nation had witnessed another historic event in the democratic journey.

“People across Pakistan participated in the process in large numbers, demonstrating their commitment to democracy, their national responsibility and belief in the power of vote,” he maintained.

“The smooth conduct of the elections is attributed to the collective efforts of multiple stakeholders and it is my privilege to extend my gratitude to all those who played a pivotal role in this democratic exercise,” he added. He especially thanked the international media, observers, local media and journalists covering the electoral process.

“Your presence and coverage has been instrumental in ensuring transparency and credibility shining a light on integrity of the electoral process at the global stage,” the minister said.

Solangi also thanked the armed forces, civil armed forces, law enforcement agencies and civilian administration for their unwavering commitment and diligence in providing safe and secure environment for the electoral process.

“Their dedication ensured that the polling process was conducted peacefully, allowing every citizen to exercise their right to vote in a peaceful and safe environment,” he said.

Furthermore, he extended appreciation to the Election Commission of Pakistan for its exemplary conduct and management of the electoral process.

Tireless efforts and dedication of the ECP to uphold democratic values and ensuring free and fair elections was commendable.

“The professionalism and integrity displayed by the commission has been crucial in reinforcing the confidence of public in the democratic electoral process,” said Solangi.

He said that in the moment of achieving a great benchmark, the nation should raise hands to pray for those who became victims in Wednesday and Thursday’s incidents. “May Allah bless their souls in eternal peace and may the nation stand united for the benefit from their ultimate sacrifice.”

“As we move forward, let us all pledge to continue to supporting and strengthening our democratic institutions and process. Together, we will build a stronger and more prosperous and democratic Pakistan for the future generations,” he added.