There was no rigging at any level in 2013 elections, says Nawaz

Published July 23, 2015
Nawaz Sharif took the nation into confidence over the recently published report by judicial commission. —APP
Nawaz Sharif took the nation into confidence over the recently published report by judicial commission. —APP

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.

Also read: Imran Khan accepts findings of judicial commission report

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.

Opinion

Editorial

Military option
Updated 21 Nov, 2024

Military option

While restoring peace is essential, addressing Balochistan’s socioeconomic deprivation is equally important.
HIV/AIDS disaster
21 Nov, 2024

HIV/AIDS disaster

A TORTUROUS sense of déjà vu is attached to the latest health fiasco at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital. The largest...
Dubious pardon
21 Nov, 2024

Dubious pardon

IT is disturbing how a crime as grave as custodial death has culminated in an out-of-court ‘settlement’. The...
Islamabad protest
Updated 20 Nov, 2024

Islamabad protest

As Nov 24 draws nearer, both the PTI and the Islamabad administration must remain wary and keep within the limits of reason and the law.
PIA uncertainty
20 Nov, 2024

PIA uncertainty

THE failed attempt to privatise the national flag carrier late last month has led to a fierce debate around the...
T20 disappointment
20 Nov, 2024

T20 disappointment

AFTER experiencing the historic high of the One-day International series triumph against Australia, Pakistan came...