ISLAMABAD: Pakistan felicitated the people and government of Afghanistan on Sunday for successfully completing the election process and hoped that it would pave the way for peace in the region.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said in a statement that taking decisions through the ballot box reflected Afghan people’s determination and keen interest in adopting democratic culture.

“Participation in the democratic process by the Afghan people would play a significant role in bringing peace and stability in the region,” he said.

The prime minister said Pakistan would help and support Afghanistan in strengthening democracy and would also work in collaboration with the new leadership in Afghanistan for peace and tranquillity in the region.

He expressed the hope that a peaceful transfer of power would take place in Afghanistan and democracy would flourish in the country.

“This election would prove as a historic moment for the Afghan people in their democratic journey.”

He was optimistic that the elections would foster unity and harmony among the people of Afghanistan.

A Foreign Office spokesperson said in a statement that the people of Afghanistan braved the security threat and inclement weather and turned up in millions to exercise their democratic right to choose their future leadership.

“We wish the Afghan electoral institutions well as they take the next key steps in ensuring the successful completion of the electoral process. Like always, 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.”

Former president and Co-chairman of the Pakistan People’s Party Asif Ali Zardari also felicitated the Afghan people.

He said he hoped the Saturday polls would be a watershed in the journey of the people of Afghanistan on the path to peaceful democratic transition and lead to peace and stability not only in their country but also in the region.

Mr Zardari said that despite threats the successful election demonstrated yet again that the Afghan people wanted peace and democracy and those opposed to their democratic ethos would be frustrated.