ISLAMABAD: Pakistan reacted cautiously on Wednesday to the controversy surrounding the Afghan presidential election results, voicing hope that the issue would be resolved peacefully through dialogue within the constitutional framework.
Separately, the Foreign Office also condemned the Israeli aggression and expressed concern over the latest escalation of violence and loss of lives in Gaza.
The statement by the foreign ministry on Afghanistan said, “It is our earnest hope that all related issues be resolved peacefully, through dialogue, in a timely manner and within the framework of Afghanistan’s constitution and laws.”
Pakistan’s reaction came in response to the ongoing row between the two rival candidates over the election results. Although preliminary results announced by Afghan Election Commission declared Dr Ashraf Ghani the winner, his rival candidate Dr Abdullah Abdullah refused to accept the verdict.
Abdullah even threatened to form a parallel government throwing Afghanistan’s first-ever democratic transition into deep crisis. The United States has warned against any illegal steps and US Secretary of State John Kerry is due to travel to Kabul to resolve the controversy.
On Wednesday, Foreign Office spokesperson Tasnim Aslam said that Pakistan noted the Afghan Election Commission’s statement suggesting that results of the second round of presidential polls were not final.
But she added that Pakistan has, from the outset, maintained that the Afghan presidential elections are an Afghan affair, with Afghan electoral institutions in the lead. “A peaceful, stable, unified and prosperous Afghanistan is vital for regional peace and stability,” she said.
At this crucial juncture in the country’s western neighbour, when it is going through multiple transitions, Aslam said that Pakistan remains in strong solidarity with the brotherly people of Afghanistan.
“We would continue to support all endeavours that help advance the cause of peace, stability and development in Afghanistan,” she maintained.
She further said Pakistan supported a peaceful democratic transition in the country.
Pakistan had extended all possible support for the efforts aimed at holding peaceful elections. “In this regard, we took several measures to enhance vigilance and security along the border, during the first and second round of elections on 5 April and 14 June 2014, respectively.
Pakistan has also consistently emphasised that it would respect the democratic choice of the Afghan people, she said.
Pakistan condemns Gaza strikes
Pakistan also expressed serious concern over the escalation of violence and loss of lives in Gaza. “Pakistan condemns the Israeli aggression and supports the international community’s efforts in bringing about a cessation of unilateral Israeli strikes killing Palestinians, including women and children,” said a foreign office statement.
It said Pakistan has consistently supported the Palestinian cause, especially the two-state solution, which paves the way for a viable, geographically contiguous Palestinian state, created on the basis of pre-1967 borders, with Al Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 10th, 2014.
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