The Chief of Army Staff, General Syed Asim Munir, on Saturday, called for moving on from the national exercise of franchise and hoped that the February 8 elections would bring much-needed political and economic stability to the country.
"Pakistan's diverse polity and pluralism will be well-represented by a unified government of all democratic forces imbibed with national purpose," he said in a statement issued by the military's media wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), on Saturday.
Elections and democracy are means to serve the people of Pakistan and not an end in themselves, he stressed, adding that the nation needs stable hands and a healing touch to move on from the politics of anarchy and polarisation, which does not suit a progressive country of 250 million people.
"Elections are not a zero-sum competition of winning and losing but an exercise to determine the people's mandate. Political leadership and their workers should rise above self-interests and synergise efforts in governing and serving the people, which is perhaps the only way to make democracy functional and purposeful."
Since the people of Pakistan have reposed their combined trust in the Constitution of Pakistan, he exhorted that it is now incumbent upon all political parties to reciprocate the same with political maturity and unity.
He stated they must move forward from this national milestone and reflect on where the country stands today and where Pakistan's rightful place should be in the comity of nations.
"COAS wishes that these elections bring in political and economic stability and prove to be the harbinger of peace and prosperity for our beloved Pakistan," he maintained.
Earlier in the statement, the army chief congratulated the nation, the caretaker government, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), political parties and all winning candidates on the successful conduct of the general elections.
"Free and unhindered participation by Pakistani people to exercise their right of vote demonstrated their commitment to democracy and the rule of law as enshrined in the Constitution of Pakistan," he said.
He said that the leadership and personnel of law-enforcement agencies deserve the highest appreciation for creating a safe and secure environment for the electoral process despite overwhelming odds.
"The constructive role played by national media, civil society, members of civil administration and judiciary enabled the successful conduct of the largest electoral exercise in national history."