ISLAMABAD- Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif has said, making decisions through ballot boxes by the Afghan people reflects their determination and keen interest for adopting democratic culture.

In his statement today, he emphasised participation in the democratic process by the Afghan people would play a significant role to bring peace and stability in the region. He said, Pakistan would not only help and support Afghanistan in strengthening democracy but also work in collaboration with the new leadership in Afghanistan for binging peace and tranquillity in the region.

The Prime Minster hoped not only a peaceful transfer of power may take place in Kabul as was done in Pakistan last year, but also wished that democracy may flourish in the country. Congratulating President Hamid Karzai and people of Afghanistan on successfully holding and completing the electioneering process, Nawaz Sharif said this election would prove as a historic moment for the Afghan people in their democratic journey. He also hoped these elections will be instrumental in creating unity and harmony among the war torn people.

Earlier, Foreign Office spokesperson Tasnim Aslam said in his message that people of Afghanistan have braved the security threat and inclement weather and turned up in millions to exercise their democratic right to choose the future leadership. She said people of Pakistan wished Afghan electoral institutions well as they take the next key steps in ensuring the successful completion of the electoral process. She said the people of Pakistan stand in strong solidarity with the Afghan nation at this historic moment, and as it moves forward in its peaceful democratic transition.