Pakistani army says played ‘pivot role’ in ensuring peaceful elections

Pakistani army personnel patrol outside a polling station during Pakistan's national elections in Peshawar on February 8, 2024. (AFP)

• The army says in a statement it fought against militants trying to disrupt general elections in Pakistan
• It hopes that its sacrifices will pave the way for the realization of the democratic aspirations of people

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s armed forces said they played a pivotal role along with the law enforcement agencies in the peaceful conduct of the general elections in an official statement on Thursday, hoping it would strengthen the political system in the country and help its people realize their democratic aspirations.
The army has ruled Pakistan directly for more than 30 years and continues to influence its politics even when not in power. This is in spite of its claims that it does not meddle in the country’s political affairs, though nearly all major political parties have criticized it for playing a dominant role in the making and breaking of Pakistani governments in recent years.
In a statement issued shortly after the polling process came to an end in the country, the military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), congratulated the nation on participating in the national polls that it said were largely violence-free.
“With the deployment of 137,000 army personnel and civil armed forces at approximately 6,000 selected most sensitive polling stations and over 7800 QRFs [Quick Response Forces], a safe and secure environment for the public was ensured,” the ISPR said.
The armed forces’ statement highlighted that nearly 50 militant attacks occurred, predominantly in the Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces, aiming to disrupt the electoral process.
Despite these challenges, Pakistani soldiers remained resolute, effectively maintaining peace and security across the country.
Consequently, these efforts led to the unfortunate loss of 10 uniformed personnel and injuries to 39 others.
“Gratitude is owed to other law enforcement agencies that worked hand in hand with the armed forces to safeguard the democratic process,” the ISPR added. “It is our fervent hope that our sacrifices would not be in vain and this election will serve as a catalyst for further strengthening democracy in Pakistan, and that it will pave the way for the realization of the aspirations of the people of Pakistan.”
The statement noted the armed forces would continue to uphold peace and security in the country and stand ready to provide unwavering support in safeguarding the democratic traditions of Pakistan.