ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: Pakistan has felicitated the people and the government of Afghanistan on successful holding of the fourth presidential elections, the Dispatch News Desk (DND) news agency reported.
The fourth presidential elections in Afghanistan – since the Taliban’s removal from power by a US-led coalition in 2001 – were held amid tight security across the Country on Saturday.
In a statement today, the Foreign Office Spokesperson Dr Mohammad Faisal said that the people of Afghanistan particularly deserve appreciation for their clear decision to continue with the democratic course despite serious hurdles and challenges.
“We sincerely hope that the new government elected through a free, fair and transparent voting process will enjoy the full mandate to take the stalled peace process forward,” Dr Faisal said.
The Spokesperson said that this is important for ending the 18-year-old conflict through an inclusive, Afghan-led and Afghan-owned negotiated political settlement. He said that Pakistan will continue to facilitate the new Afghan government towards this end.
“Pakistan wants to see a strong, independent, peaceful and prosperous Afghanistan as key to regional peace and stability. Pakistan and Afghanistan enjoy a broad and deep relationship and both countries need to work in close coordination for mutual benefits of their two peoples,” the Spokesperson said.