ISLAMABAD, Oct 12: President Gen Pervez Musharraf on Saturday greeted the newly-elected parliamentarians and expressed the hoped that with all their abilities, they would work for the progress, prosperity, integrity and solidarity of Pakistan.

“I congratulate all the political parties and the independent candidates who won the election according to provisional results,” the president said.

Mr Musharraf prayed for the steadfastness and courage to the newly-elected members of the assemblies so that they could play their role in further strengthening the democracy in the country.

The president hailed the chief election commissioner, officials and workers of the Election Commission of Pakistan for holding fair and free polls.

He also appreciated the law enforcement agencies for ensuring peace on the polling day and thanked the international observers, and national and international media for observing and covering the polls.

Mr Musharraf appreciated the wisdom of the people of Pakistan which they expressed in a very democratic way.

“The people of Pakistan participated in the process of the election as a peaceful and honourable nation. I appreciate their political wisdom, realization of national obligation and democratic behaviour,” he said. —APP