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Tuesday, January 08, 2013Govt to ensure smooth transition of power: Raja
* PM tells visiting US delegation Pakistan values relations with Washington
* Upcoming elections would be a watershed in strengthening democratic process
Staff Report
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf said on Monday that the government is committed to holding free, fair and impartial elections and ensuring a smooth transition of power.
This, he said, would be a historic achievement of the government as it would be the first civilian government to have completed its tenure in the history of the country. Raja was talking to a delegation led by US Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Senator Carl Levin, who called on him at the Prime Minister’s House and held discussions on matters of bilateral interest.
While talking to the delegation, the prime minister said that Pakistan values its relations with the United States, which is its most important economic partner. He expressed the hope that the relations between the two countries will be further strengthened in the interest of the region and the world. Talking about Afghanistan and the post-withdrawal scenario, when the US troops would withdraw from Afghanistan, the prime minister said that Pakistan desires peace and stability in the neighbouring country.
Talking about terrorism, Raja said that Pakistan condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Welcoming the re-election of President Barack Obama, he said it will ensure continuity in relations. The prime minister also appreciated the services of former secretary of state, Hillary Clinton, and welcomed the nomination of Senator John Kerry as the new secretary of state.
While talking to the prime minister, Senator Karl Levin said relations between the two countries are on the right track. Senator Levin and Senator Jack Reed said the world was looking with great interest at the next general elections in Pakistan. The delegation comprised Senator Jack Reed, member Armed Services Committee, Richard Olson, US ambassador and other senior officials. The Pakistani side was represented by Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar, Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Abdul Hafeez Sheikh, minister for finance and other senior officials of the government.
Meanwhile, in his meeting with Balochistan National Party (Awami) President and Minister for National Food Security and Research Mir Israrullah Zehri, the premier said the future of Pakistan lies in the continuity of democratic process, and noted that consensus among political forces and stakeholders on the need for continuity of the democratic system augured well for the country.
The meeting discussed prevailing political situation, issues relating to the upcoming general elections, including the law and order situation and development schemes in Balochistan. The prime minister said that the elections would be a watershed in strengthening the democratic process. He said that Balochistan is the future of Pakistan and the government was committed to its progress and prosperity. Reiterating his support for the present government, Zehri expressed his satisfaction over the arrangements made by the government for holding elections in fair, free and impartial manner. He said that democracy provided people with an opportunity to resolve their differences amicably through dialogue and engagement and the system should continue.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk