Former Pakistan cricket captain Imran Khan has been urged by his opponent to drop his claim to be prime minister after last week's general election.
Nawaz Sharif appears poised to form the next government after his Pakistan Muslim League-N party claimed a resounding victory.
He called on Khan to "show the sportsman's spirit" and drop his charges of vote-rigging. Khan's Tehreek-e-Insaf party activists claim voters were prevented from reaching polling booths last Saturday.
Pakistan's former cricket star-turned-politician Imran Khan at a campaign rally
Khan, who has kept a low profile since his defeat, said in his sole public statement that he was pleased with the high turnout, but was preparing a detailed investigation and report into alleged vote-fixing.
Meanwhile, UK foreign secretary William Hague praised Pakistan's high participation in the elections but called for investigations into malpractice.
The European Union released its preliminary report on the Pakistan elections on Monday which said that parties and voters showed a high commitment to democratic change, despite threats of Taliban violence.
"Violence by non-state actors [ie Taliban] unbalanced the playing field and distorted the election process considerably in affected areas," the report said.
"It did, however, not deter Pakistani citizens from casting their vote in unprecedented numbers and reconfirming their determined support for democratic rule, thereby defying extremist threats and actions."
Voters in Pakistan have "rejected terrorist violence and intimidation", Hague said as he promised a relationship with the UK based on "mutual respect".
Hague said the elections were an important step for Pakistan's democracy, but called for an investigation into allegations of malpractice.
Pakistan Votes
PAKISTAN-UNREST-VOTE-EU(01 of57)
Supporters of Pakistani politician Imran Khan stage a protest against alleged vote rigging in Lahore on May 13, 2013. High turnout in Pakistan's landmark election was a positive step for democracy even though the campaign was marred by violence and irregularities, a European Union observer mission said. AFP PHOTO/ ARIF ALI (Photo credit should read Arif Ali/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
PAKISTAN-UNREST-VOTE-EU(02 of57)
Supporters of Pakistani politician Imran Khan stage a protest against alleged vote rigging in Lahore on May 13, 2013. High turnout in Pakistan's landmark election was a positive step for democracy even though the campaign was marred by violence and irregularities, a European Union observer mission said. AFP PHOTO/ ARIF ALI (Photo credit should read Arif Ali/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Pakistanis Vote In General Election(03 of57)
LAHORE, PAKISTAN - MAY 11: A Pakistani stands guard above the polling station where PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif cast his vote on May 11, 2013 in the Old City of Lahore, Pakistan. Millions of Pakistanis cast their votes in parliamentary elections held today on May 11. It is the first time in the country's history that an elected government will hand over power to another elected government. (Photo by Daniel Berehulak/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Pakistanis Vote In General Election(04 of57)
LAHORE, PAKISTAN - MAY 11: Pakistani men queue to cast their ballots at a polling station on May 11, 2013 on the outskirts of Lahore, Pakistan. Millions of Pakistanis cast their votes in parliamentary elections held today on May 11. It is the first time in the country's history that an elected government will hand over power to another elected government. (Photo by Daniel Berehulak/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Pakistanis Vote In General Election(05 of57)
LAHORE, PAKISTAN - MAY 11: Pakistanis cast their ballots at a polling station on May 11, 2013 on the outskirts of Lahore, Pakistan. Millions of Pakistanis cast their votes in parliamentary elections held today on May 11. It is the first time in the country's history that an elected government will hand over power to another elected government. (Photo by Daniel Berehulak/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
PAKISTAN-ELECTION-VOTE(06 of57)
Women wanting to vote line up at a polling station in Dial Village in eastern Pakistan on May 11, 2013. Pakistanis queued up to vote in landmark elections on Saturday, defying Taliban attacks to cast their ballots in polls marking a historic democratic transition for the nuclear-armed state. A little less than half of the more than 86 million people that are eligible to vote are women. AFP PHOTO/Roberto SCHMIDT (Photo credit should read ROBERTO SCHMIDT/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
PAKISTAN-VOTE(07 of57)
Voters wait in line under arches at a polling station in Lahore during the general elections in Pakistan on May 11, 2013. Pakistanis queued up to vote in landmark elections today, defying Taliban attacks to cast their ballots in polls marking a historic democratic transition for the nuclear-armed state. More than 86 million people are eligible to vote for the 342-member national assembly and four provincial assemblies in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, Sindh and Baluchistan. AFP PHOTO / Roberto SCHMIDT (Photo credit should read ROBERTO SCHMIDT/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
PAKISTAN-UNREST-VOTE(08 of57)
An election official counts votes moments after the voting ended in Lahore on May 11, 2013. Counting got underway Saturday in Pakistan's landmark elections after millions of people defied deadly Taliban attacks to take part in an historic democratic transition in the nuclear-armed state. AFP PHOTOS/Roberto SCHMIDT (Photo credit should read ROBERTO SCHMIDT/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
PAKISTAN-UNREST-VOTE(09 of57)
An election official count votes moments after the voting ended in Lahore on May 11, 2013. Counting got underway Saturday in Pakistan's landmark elections after millions of people defied deadly Taliban attacks to take part in an historic democratic transition in the nuclear-armed state. AFP PHOTOS/Roberto SCHMIDT (Photo credit should read ROBERTO SCHMIDT/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
PAKISTAN-UNREST-VOTE(10 of57)
Election officials count votes moments after the voting ended in Lahore on May 11, 2013. Counting got underway Saturday in Pakistan's landmark elections after millions of people defied deadly Taliban attacks to take part in an historic democratic transition in the nuclear-armed state. AFP PHOTOS/Roberto SCHMIDT (Photo credit should read ROBERTO SCHMIDT/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
PAKISTAN-UNREST-VOTE(11 of57)
Polling officials empty a ballot box as they begin to count the votes moments after the voting ended in Lahore on May 11, 2013. Counting got underway Saturday in Pakistan's landmark elections after millions of people defied deadly Taliban attacks to take part in an historic democratic transition in the nuclear-armed state. AFP PHOTOS/Roberto SCHMIDT (Photo credit should read ROBERTO SCHMIDT/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
PAKISTAN-UNREST-VOTE(12 of57)
Former Pakistani prime minister Yousuf Raza Gilani casts his vote at a polling station in Multan on May 11, 2013. Counting got underway on May 11 in Pakistan's landmark elections after millions of people defied deadly Taliban attacks to take part in an historic democratic transition in the nuclear-armed state. Polling stations officially closed at 6:00 pm (1300 GMT) after a 'huge' turnout in Punjab, the biggest province, capping a dramatic day that saw bomb attacks kill 12 in Karachi and gunmen shoot dead six in the southwest. AFP PHOTO / S.S MIRZA (Photo credit should read S.S MIRZA/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
PAKISTAN-UNREST-VOTE(13 of57)
Former Pakistani prime minister Yousuf Raza Gilani casts his vote at a polling station in Multan on May 11, 2013. Counting got underway on May 11 in Pakistan's landmark elections after millions of people defied deadly Taliban attacks to take part in an historic democratic transition in the nuclear-armed state. Polling stations officially closed at 6:00 pm (1300 GMT) after a 'huge' turnout in Punjab, the biggest province, capping a dramatic day that saw bomb attacks kill 12 in Karachi and gunmen shoot dead six in the southwest. AFP PHOTO / S.S MIRZA (Photo credit should read S.S MIRZA/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
PAKISTAN-POLITICS-VOTE(14 of57)
Votes are counted at the end of polling in Rawalpindi on May 11, 2013. Counting got underway Saturday in Pakistan's landmark elections after millions of people defied deadly Taliban attacks to take part in an historic democratic transition in the nuclear-armed state. AFP PHOTO/Farooq NAEEM (Photo credit should read FAROOQ NAEEM/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Pakistani women wait to cast their vote at a polling station in Lahore on May 11, 2013. Millions of Pakistanis turned out to vote in landmark elections on May 11, defying deadly Taliban attacks to take part in an historic democratic transition for the nuclear-armed state. AFP PHOTO / ARIF ALI (Photo credit should read Arif Ali/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Pakistani women display their national identity cards as they wait to cast their vote at a polling station in Lahore on May 11, 2013. Millions of Pakistanis turned out to vote in landmark elections on May 11, defying deadly Taliban attacks to take part in an historic democratic transition for the nuclear-armed state. AFP PHOTO / ARIF ALI (Photo credit should read Arif Ali/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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A burqa-clad Pakistani woman casts her vote at a polling station in Peshawar on May 11, 2013. Millions of Pakistanis turned out to vote in landmark elections on May 11, defying deadly Taliban attacks to take part in an historic democratic transition for the nuclear-armed state. AFP PHOTO / A. MAJEED (Photo credit should read A. MAJEED/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Pakistanis Vote In General Election(18 of57)
LAHORE, PAKISTAN - MAY 11: Pakistani women jostle to receive their ballot papers prior to casting their ballot at a polling station on May 11, 2013 in the Old City of Lahore, Pakistan. Millions of Pakistanis cast their votes in parliamentary elections held today on May 11. It is the first time in the country's history that an elected government will hand over power to another elected government. (Photo by Daniel Berehulak/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
PAKISTAN-UNREST-VOTE(19 of57)
Pakistani women cast their vote at a polling station in Peshawar on May 11, 2013. Millions of Pakistanis turned out to vote in landmark elections on May 11, defying deadly Taliban attacks to take part in an historic democratic transition for the nuclear-armed state. AFP PHOTO / A. MAJEED (Photo credit should read A. MAJEED/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
PAKISTAN-UNREST-VOTE-SHARIF(20 of57)
Former Pakistani prime minister Nawaz Sharif (L) casts his vote at a polling station in Lahore on May 11, 2013. Sharif, the frontrunner in Pakistan's landmark election, cast his ballot on May 11 and said he was confident of victory. The vote marks the first time that an elected civilian administration has completed a full term and handed power to another through the ballot box in a country where there have been three military coups and four military rulers. AFP PHOTO / ARIF ALI (Photo credit should read Arif Ali/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
PAKISTAN-UNREST-VOTE(21 of57)
A Pakistani woman casts her vote at a polling station in Islamabad on May 11, 2013. Millions of Pakistanis turned out to vote in landmark elections on May 11, defying deadly Taliban attacks to take part in an historic democratic transition for the nuclear-armed state. AFP PHOTO / AAMIR QURESHI (Photo credit should read AAMIR QURESHI/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Pakistani voters queue outside a polling station in Islamabad on May 11, 2013. Millions of Pakistanis turned out to vote in landmark elections on May 11, defying deadly Taliban attacks to take part in an historic democratic transition for the nuclear-armed state. A bomb attack claimed by the Taliban killed 11 people in Karachi while gunmen shot dead six in the restive southwest, but the election commission estimated turnout could rise up to 60 percent as voters thronged the polls in major cities.AFP PHOTO / AAMIR QURESHI (Photo credit should read AAMIR QURESHI/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
PAKISTAN-UNREST-VOTE(23 of57)
Burqa-clad Pakistani women wait in a queue to cast their vote at a polling station in Islamabad on May 11, 2013. Millions of Pakistanis turned out to vote in landmark elections on May 11, defying deadly Taliban attacks to take part in an historic democratic transition for the nuclear-armed state. AFP PHOTO / AAMIR QURESHI (Photo credit should read AAMIR QURESHI/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
PAKISTAN-UNREST-VOTE(24 of57)
Pakistani political party activists clash near a womens polling station after an incident during voting for the general election in Rawalpindi on May 11, 2013. Pakistanis queued up to vote in landmark elections, defying Taliban attacks to cast their ballots in polls marking a historic democratic transition for the nuclear-armed state. Queues gathered outside polling stations in Pakistan's main cities where some people said they were nervous about security, but others spoke enthusiastically about exercising their democratic right and voting for change. AFP PHOTO/Farooq NAEEM (Photo credit should read FAROOQ NAEEM/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
PAKISTAN-POLITICS-VOTE(25 of57)
Pakistani voters lineup at a women's polling station during the general election in Rawalpindi on May 11, 2013. Pakistanis queued up to vote in landmark elections, defying Taliban attacks to cast their ballots in polls marking a historic democratic transition for the nuclear-armed state. Queues gathered outside polling stations in Pakistan's main cities where some people said they were nervous about security, but others spoke enthusiastically about exercising their democratic right and voting for change. AFP PHOTO/Farooq NAEEM (Photo credit should read FAROOQ NAEEM/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
PAKISTAN-UNREST-VOTE(26 of57)
Pakistani army soldiers search tribal voters before they enter a polling station to cast their ballots in restive Miranshah, the main town of North Waziristan on May 11, 2013. Pakistanis queued up to vote in landmark elections, defying Taliban attacks to cast their ballots in polls marking a historic democratic transition for the nuclear-armed state. Queues gathered outside polling stations in Pakistan's main cities where some people said they were nervous about security, but others spoke enthusiastically about exercising their democratic right and voting for change. AFP PHOTO/THIR KHAN (Photo credit should read THIR KHAN/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
PAKISTAN-UNREST-VOTE(27 of57)
A Pakistani army soldier stands alert near a womens polling station after an incident during voting for the general election in Rawalpindi on May 11, 2013. Pakistanis queued up to vote in landmark elections, defying Taliban attacks to cast their ballots in polls marking a historic democratic transition for the nuclear-armed state. Queues gathered outside polling stations in Pakistan's main cities where some people said they were nervous about security, but others spoke enthusiastically about exercising their democratic right and voting for change. AFP PHOTO/Farooq NAEEM (Photo credit should read FAROOQ NAEEM/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
PAKISTAN-UNREST-VOTE(28 of57)
Pakistani tribal voters stand in a queue as they wait for their turn to cast their votes outside a polling station in restive Miranshah, the main town of North Waziristan on May 11, 2013. Pakistanis queued up to vote in landmark elections, defying Taliban attacks to cast their ballots in polls marking a historic democratic transition for the nuclear-armed state. Queues gathered outside polling stations in Pakistan's main cities where some people said they were nervous about security, but others spoke enthusiastically about exercising their democratic right and voting for change. AFP PHOTO/THIR KHAN (Photo credit should read THIR KHAN/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Pakistanis Vote In General Election(29 of57)
LAHORE, PAKISTAN - MAY 11: A Pakistani man receives his ballot paper before casting his vote at a polling station on May 11, 2013 on the outskirts of Lahore, Pakistan. Millions of Pakistanis cast their votes in parliamentary elections; the first time in the country's history that an elected government will hand over power to another elected government. (Photo by Daniel Berehulak/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
PAKISTAN-UNREST-VOTE-SOUTHWEST(30 of57)
Pakistani Hazara Shiite community members queue as they wait for their turn to cast their votes outside a polling station in Quetta on May 11, 2013. Voter turnout for Pakistan's historic elections was low in the country's troubled southwest Balochistan province on May 11, where fears of attack were high and security forces guarded polling stations. AFP PHOTO / BANARAS KHAN (Photo credit should read BANARAS KHAN/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Pakistanis Vote In General Election(31 of57)
LAHORE, PAKISTAN - MAY 11: Pakistani women queue to cast their vote at a polling station on May 11, 2013 on the outskirts of Lahore, Pakistan. Millions of Pakistanis cast their votes in parliamentary elections; the first time in the country's history that an elected government will hand over power to another elected government. (Photo by Daniel Berehulak/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Pakistanis Vote In General Election(32 of57)
LAHORE, PAKISTAN - MAY 11: A Pakistani man casts his vote at a polling station on May 11, 2013 on the outskirts of Lahore, Pakistan. Millions of Pakistanis cast their votes in parliamentary elections; the first time in the country's history that an elected government will hand over power to another elected government. (Photo by Daniel Berehulak/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Pakistanis Vote In General Election(33 of57)
LAHORE, PAKISTAN - MAY 11: A Pakistani man receives his ballot paper before casting his vote at a polling station on May 11, 2013 on the outskirts of Lahore, Pakistan. Millions of Pakistanis cast their votes in parliamentary elections; the first time in the country's history that an elected government will hand over power to another elected government. (Photo by Daniel Berehulak/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Pakistanis Vote In General Election(34 of57)
LAHORE, PAKISTAN - MAY 11: A Pakistani woman casts her vote at a polling station on May 11, 2013 in the Old City of Lahore, Pakistan. Millions of Pakistanis cast their votes in parliamentary elections; the first time in the country's history that an elected government will hand over power to another elected government. (Photo by Daniel Berehulak/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
PAKISTAN-UNREST-VOTE-SOUTHWEST(35 of57)
Pakistani Hazara Shiite community members cast their votes at a polling station in Quetta on May 11, 2013. Voter turnout for Pakistan's historic elections was low in the country's troubled southwest Balochistan province on May 11, where fears of attack were high and security forces guarded polling stations. AFP PHOTO / BANARAS KHAN (Photo credit should read BANARAS KHAN/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
PAKISTAN-UNREST-VOTE-SOUTHWEST(36 of57)
A Pakistani Hazara Shiite commuity member casts her vote at a polling station in Quetta on May 11, 2013. Voter turnout for Pakistan's historic elections was low in the country's troubled southwest Balochistan province on May 11, where fears of attack were high and security forces guarded polling stations. AFP PHOTO / BANARAS KHAN (Photo credit should read BANARAS KHAN/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
PAKISTAN-UNREST-VOTE-SOUTHWEST(37 of57)
A Pakistani Hazara Shiite commuinty member casts her vote at a polling station in Quetta on May 11, 2013. Voter turnout for Pakistan's historic elections was low in the country's troubled southwest Balochistan province on May 11, where fears of attack were high and security forces guarded polling stations. AFP PHOTO / BANARAS KHAN (Photo credit should read BANARAS KHAN/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
PAKISTAN-UNREST-VOTE(38 of57)
Internally displaced Pakistanis display their national identity cards as they wait for their turn to cast their vote outside a polling station in Pakistan's largest refugee camp, Jalozai some 35 kms outside Peshawar on May 11, 2013. Pakistanis queued up to vote in landmark elections on May 11, defying Taliban attacks to cast their ballots in polls marking a historic democratic transition for the nuclear-armed state. AFP PHOTO / A. MAJEED (Photo credit should read A. MAJEED/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
PAKISTAN-UNREST-VOTE-SOUTHWEST(39 of57)
A Pakistani Hazara Shiite community member receives ballot papers before casting his vote at a polling station in Quetta on May 11, 2013. Voter turnout for Pakistan's historic elections was low in the country's troubled southwest Balochistan province on May 11, where fears of attack were high and security forces guarded polling stations. AFP PHOTO / BANARAS KHAN (Photo credit should read BANARAS KHAN/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
PAKISTAN-UNREST-VOTE(40 of57)
Pakistani soldiers stand guard in front of a long queue of internally displaced people voters awaiting their turn to cast their votes outside a polling station in Pakistan's largest refugee camp, Jalozai, some 35 kms outside Peshawar on May 11, 2013. Pakistanis queued up to vote in landmark elections on May 11, defying Taliban attacks to cast their ballots in polls marking a historic democratic transition for the nuclear-armed state. AFP PHOTO / A. MAJEED (Photo credit should read A. MAJEED/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
PAKISTAN-UNREST-VOTE(41 of57)
A Pakistani policeman stand guard in front of a long queue voters wait for their turn to cast their vote outside a polling station in Pakistan's largest refugee camp, Jalozai some 35kms outside Peshawar on May 11, 2013. Pakistanis queued up to vote in landmark elections on May 11, defying Taliban attacks to cast their ballots in polls marking a historic democratic transition for the nuclear-armed state. AFP PHOTO / A. MAJEED (Photo credit should read A. MAJEED/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
PAKISTAN-UNREST-VOTE(42 of57)
A Pakistani resident casts his ballot at a polling station during general election in Rawalpindi on May 11, 2013. Pakistanis queued up to vote in landmark elections, defying Taliban attacks to cast their ballots in polls marking a historic democratic transition for the nuclear-armed state. AFP PHOTO/Farooq NAEEM (Photo credit should read FAROOQ NAEEM/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
PAKISTAN-UNREST-VOTE-SOUTHWEST(43 of57)
Pakistani Hazara Shiite commuity members stand in a queue as they wait for their turn to cast their vote outside a polling station in Quetta on May 11, 2013. Voter turnout for Pakistan's historic elections was low in the country's troubled southwest Balochistan province on May 11, where fears of attack were high and security forces guarded polling stations. AFP PHOTO / BANARAS KHAN (Photo credit should read BANARAS KHAN/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
PAKISTAN-UNREST-VOTE(44 of57)
A Pakistani election presiding officer marks a voter at a polling station during the general election in Rawalpindi on May 11, 2013. Pakistanis queued up to vote in landmark elections, defying Taliban attacks to cast their ballots in polls marking a historic democratic transition for the nuclear-armed state. AFP PHOTO/Farooq NAEEM (Photo credit should read FAROOQ NAEEM/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
PAKISTAN-UNREST-VOTE(45 of57)
A Pakistani resident casts her ballot at a polling station during the general election in Rawalpindi on May 11, 2013. Pakistanis queued up to vote in landmark elections, defying Taliban attacks to cast their ballots in polls marking a historic democratic transition for the nuclear-armed state. AFP PHOTO/Farooq NAEEM (Photo credit should read FAROOQ NAEEM/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
PAKISTAN-UNREST-VOTE(46 of57)
Internally displaced Pakistanis sit in a queue as they wait for their turn to cast their vote outside a polling station in Pakistan's largest refugee camp, Jalozai some 35 kms outside Peshawar on May 11, 2013. Pakistanis queued up to vote in landmark elections on May 11, defying Taliban attacks to cast their ballots in polls marking a historic democratic transition for the nuclear-armed state. AFP PHOTO / A. MAJEED (Photo credit should read A. MAJEED/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
PAKISTAN-UNREST-VOTE(47 of57)
Internally displaced Pakistanis queue up as they wait for their turn to cast their vote outside a polling station in Pakistan's largest refugee camp, Jalozai some 35 kms outside Peshawar on May 11, 2013. Pakistanis queued up to vote in landmark elections on May 11, defying Taliban attacks to cast their ballots in polls marking a historic democratic transition for the nuclear-armed state. AFP PHOTO / A. MAJEED (Photo credit should read A. MAJEED/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
PAKISTAN-UNREST-VOTE-SOUTHWEST(48 of57)
Pakistani Hazara Shiite voters queue as they arrive to cast their ballots at a polling station in Quetta on May 11, 2013. Voter turnout for Pakistan's historic elections was low in the country's troubled southwest Balochistan province on May 11, where fears of attack were high and security forces guarded polling stations. AFP PHOTO / BANARAS KHAN (Photo credit should read BANARAS KHAN/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
PAKISTAN-UNREST-VOTE-SOUTHWEST(49 of57)
A Pakistani Hazara Shiite commuity member casts his vote at a polling station in Quetta on May 11, 2013. Voter turnout for Pakistan's historic elections was low in the country's troubled southwest Balochistan province on May 11, where fears of attack were high and security forces guarded polling stations. AFP PHOTO / BANARAS KHAN (Photo credit should read BANARAS KHAN/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
PAKISTAN-POLITICS-VOTE(50 of57)
Pakistani residents wait for their turn to cast their ballots at a polling station during the general election in Rawalpindi on May 11, 2013. Pakistanis queued up to vote in landmark elections, defying Taliban attacks to cast their ballots in polls marking a historic democratic transition for the nuclear-armed state. AFP PHOTO/Farooq NAEEM (Photo credit should read FAROOQ NAEEM/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
PAKISTAN-UNREST-VOTE(51 of57)
A Pakistani resident casts her ballot at a polling station during the general election in Rawalpindi on May 11, 2013. Pakistanis queued up to vote in landmark elections, defying Taliban attacks to cast their ballots in polls marking a historic democratic transition for the nuclear-armed state. AFP PHOTO/Farooq NAEEM (Photo credit should read FAROOQ NAEEM/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
PAKISTAN-UNREST-VOTE(52 of57)
Pakistani residents arrive to cast their ballots at a polling station during the general election in Rawalpindi on May 11, 2013. Bomb attacks wounded 12 people outside polling stations in northwest Pakistan, police said, but many voters were not deterred from casting their ballots in landmark polls. The vote marks the first time that an elected civilian administration has completed a full term and handed power to another through the ballot box in a country where there have been three military coups and four military rulers. AFP PHOTO/Farooq NAEEM (Photo credit should read FAROOQ NAEEM/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
PAKISTAN-UNREST-VOTE(53 of57)
Burqa-clad internally displaced Pakistani's arrive to cast their vote as they walk past a long queue of other voters outside a polling station in Pakistan's largest refugee camp, Jalozai some 35 kms outside Peshawar on May 11, 2013. Pakistanis queued up to vote in landmark elections on May 11, defying Taliban attacks to cast their ballots in polls marking a historic democratic transition for the nuclear-armed state. AFP PHOTO / A. MAJEED (Photo credit should read A. MAJEED/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
PAKISTAN-UNREST-VOTE(54 of57)
A Pakistani policeman stand guard in front of a long queue voters wait for their turn to cast their vote outside a polling station in Pakistan's largest refugee camp, Jalozai some 35kms outside Peshawar on May 11, 2013. Pakistanis queued up to vote in landmark elections on May 11, defying Taliban attacks to cast their ballots in polls marking a historic democratic transition for the nuclear-armed state. AFP PHOTO / A. MAJEED (Photo credit should read A. MAJEED/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
PAKISTAN-UNREST-VOTE(55 of57)
Pakistani soldiers stand guard in front of a long queue of voters awaiting their turn to cast their votes outside a polling station in Pakistan's largest refugee camp, Jalozai, some 35 kms outside Peshawar on May 11, 2013. Pakistanis queued up to vote in landmark elections on May 11, defying Taliban attacks to cast their ballots in polls marking a historic democratic transition for the nuclear-armed state. AFP PHOTO / A. MAJEED (Photo credit should read A. MAJEED/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
PAKISTAN-UNREST-VOTE(56 of57)
Pakistani residents gather around an election presiding officer to cast their ballots during the general election in Rawalpindi on May 11, 2013. Bomb attacks wounded 12 people outside polling stations in northwest Pakistan, police said, but many voters were not deterred from casting their ballots in landmark polls. The vote marks the first time that an elected civilian administration has completed a full term and handed power to another through the ballot box in a country where there have been three military coups and four military rulers. AFP PHOTO/Farooq NAEEM (Photo credit should read FAROOQ NAEEM/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
PAKISTAN-POLITICS-VOTE(57 of57)
Pakistani residents prepare to cast their ballots during the general election in Rawalpindi on May 11, 2013. Bomb attacks wounded 12 people outside polling stations in northwest Pakistan, police said, but many voters were not deterred from casting their ballots in landmark polls. The vote marks the first time that an elected civilian administration has completed a full term and handed power to another through the ballot box in a country where there have been three military coups and four military rulers. AFP PHOTO/Farooq NAEEM (Photo credit should read FAROOQ NAEEM/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
The foreign secretary said: "Some 50 million people in Pakistan went to the ballot box on Saturday. They made a strong statement about the future they want for their country, based on accountable, democratic government. They clearly rejected terrorist violence and intimidation.
"These elections represent an important step for Pakistan's democracy, with strong voter rolls and the highest-ever number of women and new voters.
"To protect that credibility I hope that all allegations of malpractice will be thoroughly investigated. These elections were only possible due to the hard work of the electoral commission, the caretaker government, polling station officials, security personnel, election observers, but most of all of those who voted.
"The people of Pakistan can be certain of the UK's support for their democratic future. The UK has been a long-term friend of Pakistan and these elections will strengthen our commitment to work together, based on mutual trust, mutual respect and mutual benefit.
"These values have underpinned our relationship in the past and I will do my utmost to ensure they continue to do so for the future. We look forward to working with the new federal and provincial governments as they strive to meet the mandate the people have given them."
The result of the election could have a major bearing on Pakistan's relations with the West and its co-operation with US-led efforts to root out terrorists in the region bordering Afghanistan.
The CIA's drone campaign targeting al Qaida and other militants in the tribal regions has been extremely controversial in Pakistan.
Sharif said the drone strikes were "challenging our sovereignty" and "our concern must be understood properly".