ISLAMABAD, April 23: American Ambassador to Pakistan Richard Olson has said the US looks forward to witnessing timely, transparent, free and fair elections in Pakistan on May 11.

In a statement issued here on Tuesday, he said the US did not support any particular political party or candidate.

Mr Olson said that like many other countries which counted Pakistan as a friend, the United States affirmed that it was solely up to the people of Pakistan to choose their future leaders.

He said the US was backing democracy and the strengthening of Pakistan’s civilian institutions through the electoral process.

“We look forward to continuing to build our bilateral partnership with the government elected by the voters, regardless of the results,” the US ambassador said.

He said: “These elections will mark an important democratic transition, a historic development of which the people of Pakistan can be very proud. It is our hope that the elections will proceed peacefully.”

He said: “On behalf of my government and the people of the United States of America, I would like to congratulate the government and people of Pakistan on the democratic process leading up to the 2013 general elections.”

He quoted Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah as saying: “You have to stand guard over the development and maintenance of democracy, social justice… on your own native soil… With faith, discipline and selfless devotion to duty, there is nothing worthwhile that you cannot achieve.”

Mr Olson added: “May Pakistan prosper and fulfil the ideals that the Quaid-i-Azam envisioned for the people of this country.”—APP