Politics

Democracy Will Be Served by Elections: Pakistan Army

By - 09 Feb 2024 03:03 AM

With an eye toward using the results of the polls as a "catalyst for further strengthening democracy" in the coup-prone nation, Pakistan's powerful military congratulated the country on the "generally peaceful and violence-free" conduct of the general elections on Thursday.

As millions of Pakistanis cast ballots in an election involving Imran Khan, the country's former prime minister who was deposed in a no-confidence vote, violence erupted in a number of the country's polling places on Thursday."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 realisation of the aspirations of the people of Pakistan," the ISPR, the media arm of the military, said in a press release.

Throughout its more than 75 years of existence, the formidable Pakistan Army has ruled over a coup-prone Pakistan and has thus far possessed significant influence over security and foreign policy issues.

According to the statement, the armed forces and other law enforcement agencies (LEAs) are honored to have been instrumental in ensuring security for the sacred election process, supporting civil authority, and upholding Pakistan's Constitution.The statement continued, "137,000 army personnel and civil armed forces were deployed at approximately 6,000 selected "most sensitive" polling stations and over 7,800 QRFs to ensure a safe and secure environment for the public."

"Gratitude is owed to other law enforcement agencies that worked hand in hand with the armed forces to safeguard the democratic process," it read.

The ISPR claims that in spite of 51 cowardly terrorist attacks, the majority of which took place in the unrest-plagued provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan with the intention of upsetting the electoral process, the soldiers remained resolute and successfully maintained peace and security throughout Pakistan.

Twelve people, including ten members of law enforcement and security personnel, were reportedly killed and 39 others injured in these attacks, according to the army.

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