Lauding Pakistan for the successful conduct of general elections, the European Union has urged the nation to move swiftly towards the formation of a stable and functional government.

"The EU hopes to see swift moves towards the formation of a stable and functional government," a statement released by the EU in Brussels said on Friday.

"The elections showed their commitment to democratic development and their rejection of extremist forces," the statement said.

It also expressed the EU's "deep regrets" that not all political detainees including judges and lawyers were released and thus prevented from taking part in the electoral process.

The 27-member European bloc underlined its commitment to the people of Pakistan in helping them build a prosperous and stable society, based on the principle of democracy and the rule of law.

Pakistan People's Party and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz won majority seats in the National Assembly in the February 18 elections, and are set to form a coalition government.