Govt firm on smooth power transition

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf has said the government is committed to a transparent transition of power through a free and fair public vote.

He expressed these views while talking to a US delegation, led by Senator Carl Levin, the Senate Armed Services Committee chairman, which called on him at the PM House on Monday and held discussions on matters of bilateral interest.

He said that Pakistan valued its relations with the US which is its most important economic partner. He expressed the hope that the relations between the two countries would be further strengthened in the interest of the region and the world.

Talking about Afghanistan and the post-withdrawal scenario after 2014, he said Pakistan had a desire for peace and stability in Afghanistan. He said Pakistan condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.

In response to a question about the next general elections, the prime minister said the government was committed to holding free, fair and impartial elections to ensure 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 Pakistan.

Welcoming the re-election of President Barak Obama, the prime minister said it will ensure continuity in relations. He appreciated the services of Hillary Clinton and welcomed the nomination of Senator John Kerry as the new Secretary of State. Senator Karl Levin said relations between the two countries are on the right track. Senator Karl 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 Hina Rabbani Khar, foreign affairs minister, Dr Abdul Hafeez Sheikh, finance minister and other senior officials of the government. Later, the US delegation called on Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Khar highlighted Pakistan’s unprecedented sacrifices in the international fight against terrorism. She said Pakistan fully supports an Afghan-owned and Afghan-led peace and reconciliation process as part of its commitment to regional peace and stability.

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