General Syed Asim Munir, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), stated on Saturday that political leaders and their supporters should prioritize the well-being of the people and work together to make democracy effective and purposeful.
According to a statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), General Munir emphasized that a unified government, comprising all democratic forces with a national purpose, would represent the diverse polity and pluralism of the country. He expressed the need for stable leadership and a healing approach to move beyond the politics of anarchy and polarization, which he believed did not suit a progressive nation of 250 million people.
The COAS highlighted that elections are not just about winning and losing but are a means to determine the mandate of the people. He urged political leaders and their supporters to transcend self-interests and collaborate in governance to make democracy functional and purposeful.
Congratulating the nation, caretaker government, Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), political parties, and winning candidates on the successful conduct of the 2024 general elections, General Munir commended the people’s commitment to democracy and the rule of law. He acknowledged the efforts of law-enforcement agencies, national media, civil society, civil administration, and the judiciary in creating a safe and secure environment for the electoral process.
The COAS emphasized that as the people had shown trust in the constitution, it was now the responsibility of all political parties to reciprocate with political maturity and unity. He wished for the elections to bring political and economic stability, becoming a catalyst for peace and prosperity in the country as it moves forward from this national milestone.