Supporters of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz celebrate after the results of the general election in Lahore.
ISLAMABAD: As the country awaits the first democratic transition of power, the caretaker administration yesterday said powers would be transferred to the new government by June 2.
Caretaker Information Minister Arif Nizami told a news conference in Islamabad that the interim government should be given credit for holding the election on Saturday despite rumours of a delay and the threat from elements hell bent on sabotaging the process.
Two days after the historic election, Nizami said that in the next phase, sessions of the national and provincial assemblies would be summoned for elected representatives to take oath.
He said the voter turnout of more than 60 percent was a big improvement over the last election and the credit goes to citizens who participated in the democratic process despite terror threats.
Nizami also lauded the role of the armed forces and law-enforcement agencies, adding that though violence was witnessed across the country in the run-up to the election, miscreants failed to derail the democratic process.
On reports of delay in the start of polling and rigging allegations, he said the election tribunal would pass judgments on a case by case basis.
Caretaker Prime Minister Mir Hazar Khan Khoso said statements by any political group which provoke violence or foment anti-federation feelings are detrimental to national integrity at this critical juncture of Pakistan’s history.
Urging all sides to uphold the Constitution, he expressed confidence that parties and people would show restraint and ensure smooth transition of power in democratic traditions.
Agencies
