Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir extended congratulations to the nation, government, and the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) for the successful execution of the general elections in 2024, as conveyed by the military’s media wing.
In an official statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) quoted the army chief, expressing congratulations to political parties and all victorious candidates.
COAS Munir emphasized that democracy and elections serve as means to benefit the people. He stressed the importance of responsible leadership, stating that the nation requires capable hands and a healing touch to transcend the challenges of chaotic politics and polarization. In a country with a population of 250 million, polarization and anarchy are deemed unsuitable for development.
Also Read: Ex-COAS Bajwa Expresses Willingness to Testify in Cipher Case
General Munir urged political leaders and their supporters to prioritize public service over personal interests, emphasizing that this approach is crucial for the functionality and meaningfulness of democracy.
Highlighting the right of the Pakistani people to participate freely in voting as a testament to their commitment to democracy, he noted that the collective confidence of the people in the Constitution of Pakistan necessitates a mature and unified response from all political parties.
The Army Chief acknowledged the constructive role played by civil society and members of the judiciary in facilitating the successful conduct of the largest electoral exercise. He expressed his hope that these elections would bring about political and economic stability, serving as a focal point for peace and prosperity for the citizens of the nation.
On February 8, the nation exercised its voting rights to elect a new government amidst challenges such as soaring inflation and incidents of violence. Provisional results from the Election Commission of Pakistan indicated independent candidates leading the race for National Assembly seats.
