- Says people in election ‘have not only spoken but shouted out their will’
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan President Arif Alvi on Sunday said on Sunday that a “true mandate” is essential to steer the country of the quagmire of crises, as the election commission announced the final result of the general elections.
President Alvi in a statement congratulated the nation, especially women and youth, for “coming out in huge numbers, withstanding all pressures and standing up for democracy.”
“A true mandate is essential to come out of the severe financial crunch, to make difficult decisions, to repair, and to heal the bitterness of the past,” he said.
According to the ECP’s tally of seats, independents, mostly backed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, won 101 of the 264 seats.
The independents were followed by the party of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, which won 75 seats, while ex-Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s party got 54.
But it is not clear who will form the government as 169 seats, including reserved seats, are required for a simple majority in the 336-member lower house, or the National Assembly.
“We must celebrate this effervescent new focus and show it to the outside world. My confidence in our brilliant future has been strengthened as the people have not only spoken but have shouted out their will,” he said, adding: “Nothing can crystallize unless this huge mandate of my citizens is respected and recognized.”
He urged the politicians, political parties and institutions to must embrace this “God sent opportunity,” show unity repair and build the country.
Pakistan has seen political and economic turmoil in recent years, while terror incidents targeting security forces have also seen a spike.
