'True mandate essential to come out of financial crunch,' Pakistan president says after poll results

By Islamuddin Sajid

ISLAMABAD (AA) - Pakistan President Arif Alvi on Sunday said a "true mandate" is essential to come out of the problems faced by the South Asian nation, as the election commission announced final tally of the national elections held on Thursday.

According to the vote count, independents, mostly backed by jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan, won 101 of the 264 seats.

The independents were followed by the party of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, which won 75 seats, while ex-Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari's party got 54.

But it is not clear who will form the government as 169 seats, including reserved seats, are required for a simple majority in the 336-member lower house, or the National Assembly.

President Alvi in a statement congratulated the nation, especially women and youth, for "coming out in huge numbers, withstanding all pressures and standing up for democracy."

"A true mandate is essential to come out of the severe financial crunch, to make difficult decisions, to repair, and to heal the bitterness of the past," he said.

"We must celebrate this effervescent new focus and show it to the outside world. My confidence in our brilliant future has been strengthened as the PEOPLE have not only spoken but have shouted out their will," he said, adding: "Nothing can crystallize unless this huge mandate of my citizens is respected and recognized."

He urged the politicians, political parties and institutions to must embrace this "God sent opportunity," show unity repair and build the country.

Pakistan has seen political and economic turmoil in recent years, while terror incidents targeting security forces have also seen a spike.