ISLAMABAD: As Pakistan held its long-awaited general elections on February 8, China congratulated Islamabad, expressing optimism that “the political parties in Pakistan could work together to form a new government after the polls,” The News reported Tuesday.
Pakistan had its 12th general elections earlier this month, with about 60.6 million people exercising their democratic right. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-backed candidates won the election, with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) coming in second and third place, respectively.
Following the elections, political groups engaged in wheeling and dealing, with a number of candidates joining the Shehbaz Sharif-led party. The PPP and PML-N are also negotiating the establishment of the next administration.
Furthermore, the PTI first stated that it would remain in opposition rather than join the government. However, the Imran Khan-founded party said on Monday that its independent members will join the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) and that it will establish an alliance with the SIC and Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM).
“We noted that general elections in Pakistan were held in a generally steady and smooth manner, and we offer our congratulations,” said Mao Ning, spokeswoman for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, at a routine press briefing on Monday.
“As a close and friendly neighbour, China fully respects the choices of Pakistani people and sincerely hopes that relevant parties of Pakistan will work together to uphold the political solidarity and social stability after the elections,” the foreign minister said.
