Time to move on from politics of anarchy and polarization, says Army Chief

Chief of Army Staff (COAS General Syed Asim Munir has congratulated the nation, government and the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on successfully holding the general elections, saying elections and democracy are the way of serving the country, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

In a statement issued by the ISPR on Saturday, the Army Chief said that he congratulated the political parties and all winning candidates.

The COAS congratulated the entire Pakistani nation, caretaker government, Election Commission of Pakistan, political parties and all winning candidates on successful conduct of general elections 2024.

“Free and unhindered participation by the Pakistani people to exercise their right of vote demonstrated their commitment to democracy and the rule of law as enshrined in the Constitution of Pakistan, General Asim Munir said and added, “Leadership and personnel of law-enforcement agencies deserve our highest appreciation for creating a safe and secure environment for the electoral process, despite overwhelming odds.”

The Army Chief said the constructive role played by the national media, civil society, members of civil administration and judiciary enabled the successful conduct of the largest electoral exercise in national history. “Pakistan’s diverse polity and pluralism will be well-represented by a unified government of all democratic forces imbibed with national purpose. Elections and democracy are means to serve people of Pakistan and not ends in themselves. The nation needs stable hands and a healing touch to move on from the politics of anarchy and polarisation which does not suit a progressive country of 250 million people,” he added.

General Asim said elections are not a zero-sum competition of winning and losing but an exercise to determine the mandate of the people. “Political leadership and their workers should rise above self-interests and synergise efforts in governing and serving the people which is perhaps the only way to make democracy functional and purposeful,” he added.

“As the people of Pakistan have reposed their combined trust in the Constitution of Pakistan, it is now incumbent upon all political parties to reciprocate the same with political maturity and unity, the Army Chief said and added “As we move forward from this national milestone we must reflect on where the country stands today and where our rightful place should be in the comity of nations.”

The COAS wished that these elections bring in political and economic stability and prove to be the harbinger of peace and prosperity for their beloved Pakistan.

Reporter Ahmad Mansoor