Pakistan seeks peaceful settlement to election crisis in Afghanistan

Pakistan on Wednesday announced its full support for peaceful democratic transition in Afghanistan and called for a peaceful and negotiated settlement of differences over the runoff election.

.

The Foreign Office of Pakistan following a statement said, “In this regard, we took several measures to enhance vigilance and security along the border, during the first and second round of elections on 5 April and 14 June 2014, respectively.” Tasnim Aslam, spokesperson for the Foreign Office, quoted in the statement said, “We have seen the announcement by the Independent Election Commission regarding preliminary results of the second round and noted the statement that these are not final and it is our earnest hope that all related issues would be resolved peacefully, through dialogue, in a timely manner and within the framework of Afghanistan’s constitution and laws.”

“We would continue to support all endeavours that help advance the cause of peace, stability and development in Afghanistan,” she said. The call by Islamabad comes a day after presidential candidate Dr. Abdullah Abdullah rejected the preliminary results, which has raised concerns about a looming political crisis.

Abdullah accused the government and electoral bodies for being invovled in massive fraud in favor his rival Dr. Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai who secured lead in preliminary vote results for the runoff election. The supporters of Dr. Abdullah and his close allies suggested that the massive fraud has paved the way for the announcement a parallel government.