WASHINGTON  - President Barack Obama on Sunday said his administration looks forward to working with the government emerging from the historic polls as equal partners in supporting a more stable Pakistan, as he congratulated the Pakistani people on successful completion of Saturday’s Parliamentary elections. “The US and Pakistan have a long history of working together on mutual interests, and my administration looks forward to continuing our cooperation with the Pakistani government that emerges from this election as equal partners in supporting a more stable, secure, and prosperous future for the people of Pakistan,” Obama said.
The White House released the statement after Saturday’s nationwide polls, which saw PML-N led by former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif emerge as the victorious party in the Parliament. Obama said in the White House statement: “I congratulate the people of Pakistan on the successful completion of Parliamentary elections. “  The United States, he said, “stands with all the Pakistanis in welcoming this historic peaceful and transparent transfer of civilian power, which is a significant milestone in Pakistan’s democratic progress.”
“By conducting competitive campaigns, freely exercising your democratic rights, and persevering despite intimidation by violent extremists, you have affirmed a commitment to democratic rule that will be critical to achieving peace and prosperity for all Pakistanis for years to come,” he added. Secretary of State John Kerry, also expressed Washington’s desire to work cooperatively with the new government to advance shared interest.
He said that the National Assembly and Provincial Assemblies elections mark a historic step in Pakistan's democratic journey.  “The Pakistani people stood up resiliently to threats by violent extremists,” Kerry noted in a statement released by the State Department. “We'll be working with the new government to advance shared interests including a peaceful, more prosperous and stable future for Pakistan and the region.”