Pakistan today said it supported peaceful democratic transition in neighbouring Afghanistan as threats of instability loom large over the outcome of the disputed preliminary election results.
Differences between the two Afghan Presidential candidates cropped up after preliminary results showed Ashraf Ghani was strongly poised to defeat rival Abdullah Abdullah.
Pakistan Foreign Office said in a statement that it respected the elections and took several measures to enhance security along the border with Afghanistan during the first and second round of elections held on 5 April and 14 June.
"Pakistan has also consistently emphasised that it would respect the democratic choice of the Afghan people," it said.
"We have seen the announcement by the Independent Election Commission regarding preliminary results of the second round and noted the statement that these are not final," Foreign Office said.
It said Pakistan hoped that all related issues would be resolved peacefully through dialogue in a timely manner and within the framework of Afghanistan's Constitution and laws.
Pakistan remains in strong solidarity with Afghanistan at this crucial juncture which it is going through multiple transitions, it said.
Afghanistan has often criticised Pakistan for militant attacks in the country. Pakistan says it supports a stable country.
Abdullah claimed victory yesterday in Afghanistan's disputed election, blaming fraud for putting him behind in preliminary results.
