ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, in his address on Thursday evening, took the nation into confidence over the recently published report by the judicial commission saying it has been proved that there was no rigging on any level and that the 2013 general elections were free and fair.
The political parties did not provide any evidence of alleged rigging in elections, said the prime minister.
"Looking at the findings of the judicial commission, it can not be said that the results were against popular mandate," said Nawaz.
"Inquiry commission's comprehensive report does not only reaffirm our stance but also the mandate of Pakistani people," he added.
Know more: JC finds 2013 elections 'fair and in accordance with law'
"Now that the respected inquiry commission has confirmed the transparency of 2013 polls, the door of allegations and accusations should be closed forever."
The prime minister, while taking a jibe at the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf, said "embarrassing Pakistan in the whole world by making fair and transparent elections controversial is one regrettable chapter of our history that will not be forgotten easily."
Along with the world, we knew there was no rigging in elections, and we hope all those who wasted time of their countrymen will understand too, claimed Nawaz.
"Lets take this judicial commission report as a milestone, lets start a journey which takes us to prosperity and progress rather than towards backwardness.
"For the first time in our country's history, the government conducted a free and fair inquiry and all parties were given equal and fair opportunity to present their point of view."
Nawaz said “our national history of 70 years is testament to the fact that if we had democracy, we would have been one of the greatest nations."
The prime minister appealed that since the unbiased judicial commission has issued its report, we would like all stakeholders to close the doors of conspiracy. We all are Pakistanis and need to stand united on projects that would benefit the nation immensely in years to come.
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The premier claimed that today’s Pakistan is better than that of two years ago, "our economy is getting better by the day and so is our international standing. After three years the country will be even more prosperous".
Nawaz reiterated his resolve to free the country of terrorism and said, "We can see the results of operation Zarb-i-Azb. Our hinterlands and urban areas will soon be cleansed of terrorism."
We are facing floods on a national level and we need to help our countrymen, he said. "I appeal to all Pakistanis to help their brothers and sisters in need due to floods," said Nawaz.