Pakistan reentry in CW testimony of strong democracy in country: PM

VALLETTA: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz has underlined Islamabad’s participation in the Commonwealth platform after six-long years is a testimony that democracy in Pakistan has taken roots.

"In Pakistan there is complete freedom of speech and expression," Shaukat Aziz expressed these views while talking at a press conference at the occasion of heads of the Commonwealth states moot on Saturday.

"There should have no suspicion in one’s mind about democracy in Pakistan, press enjoy unprecedented freedom, opposition has the right of criticism and over 25 private TV channels are currently operational in Pakistan," he argued.

"We are desirous of cordial relations with neighbours, however Pakistan and India after resolving decade-old Kashmir saga can establish eternal peace in the region," he noted.

He expressed optimism that they could settle host of issues from the platform of Commonwealth and this forum was key to bolster the living standard of millions of people.

The Commonwealth states had acknowledged steps taken for establishment of democracy in Pakistan and after six long years Pakistan was present there, he recalled.

He informed that he held day-long meetings with UK prime minister Tony Blair and Malaysian prime minister Ahmed Badavi, which Shaukat Aziz termed as very fruitful.

He said that he apprised leaders about Pakistan non-stop efforts to flush out terrorism and militancy as well as destruction caused by the October 8 devastated earthquake.

He was optimistic by saying that the Commonwealth forum would help jack-up trade and commerce activities among the member states.

He went on to say that multifaceted strategies were underway to tackle the menace of terrorism and to bolster per capita income.

"Currently we are facing very much serious challenges after the devastated earthquake that rocked parts of Pakistan on October 8, the challenge of rehabilitation and the challenge of reconstruction of the quake torn areas," he noted.

"This a long journey and the donor states and agencies during Donor Conference on November 19 pledged $6.2 billion and construction of housing, schools, educational institutions, hospitals and infrastructure are areas to be taken on priority basis," he underscored.

To a question, he maintained that trade was the focal point for agenda of Commonwealth moot and there was urgent need to make the forum effective.

"Terrorism is a global threat and Pakistan is equally fighting the menace with might and neither terrorists have any religion nor any limitations," he said adding that Pakistan had pursued the agenda to ensure tension-free world.

He made it clear that catastrophic earthquake would not affect Pakistan’s war on terrorism and security alongside the border had been tightened. "We have no knowledge about the whereabouts of Osama Bin Laden," he reassured.

He said that Musharraf’s offer to open five crossings at Line of Control would help normalize Pak-India relations. He hailed Pakistan and India to reopen consulates in Karachi and Mumbai.