Ban Ki-Moon wished every success to the government and the people for the national and provincial elections. PHOTO: AFP/FILE
The United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon, while concerned about the violence that has plagued election campaigns in Pakistan, hoped that the upcoming general elections, scheduled for May 11, will be peaceful and that all eligible Pakistanis carry out their civic duty, regardless of their religious affiliation, ethnic background, or gender.
The Secretary-General has been following developments surrounding Saturday’s elections, his spokesperson said in a statement on Thursday.
“The Secretary-General is concerned about the wave of violence and attacks in Pakistan that has targeted politicians, political rallies, and election offices ahead of the elections,” the statement read.
Offering condolences to the families of the victims of terror activities, Moon acknowledged efforts made by the government and the Election Commission of Pakistan to ensure security for candidates, election officials, voters and observers.
The UN Secretary-General also commended the efforts of the government, the Election Commission of Pakistan, political parties, civil society and religious leaders to encourage voter turnout, particularly amongst women.
He wished every success to the government and the people for the national and provincial elections.
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Your Excellency: We are elated that you noticed the elections in Pakistan; the related violence and mayhem created by the dark forces of evil, and the courage and valor with which the people of Pakistan are striving to maintain a democratic system of governance. It would have been equally heartwarming had you included in your statement the acknowledgement that prior to 1980 the Talibans did not exist in Pakistan, there was not a single incidence of terrorism in the country, no Pakistani citizen was involved anywhere in any such extremist activities, and there were no foreign fighters in Pakistan. It was the United States campaign against the Soviets in Afghanistan, in which the Pakistan's military dictator Ziaul Huq and the Saudis were inducted that brought in thirty years of murderous havoc and instability to Pakistan. We are still not out of it yet.
Get peace with your neighbor N.Korea first.