ISLAMABAD: The US Ambassador to Pakistan Richard Olson has issued a public message on the upcoming May 11 Pakistan General Elections.

Ambassador Olson's message was released by the US Embassy's Office of Public Affairs in Islamabad.

The statement reads as follows: 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.

Along with many other countries which count Pakistan as a friend, the United States looks forward to witnessing timely, transparent, free, and fair elections on May 11.

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 these elections will proceed peacefully.

The United States affirms that it is solely up to the people of Pakistan to determine their future leadership. The United States is backing democracy, and the strengthening of Pakistan’s civilian institutions through the electoral process.

The United States does not support any particular political party or individual candidate.

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

As Pakistan’s founder Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah said, “You have to stand guard over the development and maintenance of democracy, social justice, and the equality of manhood on your own native soil.  With faith, discipline, and selfless devotion to duty, there is nothing worthwhile that you cannot achieve.”

May Pakistan prosper and fulfill the ideals that Quaid-e-Azam envisioned for the people of this country.