PM Ashraf places faith in country’s political leaders

ISLAMABAD:

The prime minister says democracy in Pakistan is evolving – and some ups and downs are inevitable during this evolutionary phase. However, he hopes the democratic system will stabilise as time passes.

Premier Raja Pervaiz Ashraf believes two or three parliamentary elections will make a qualitative difference in stabilising democracy.

In an interview with the APP on Saturday, he said that the political leadership was mature enough to fight any threats to democracy, collectively.

The premier said he would contact the political leadership to solicit their views on matters of national importance at an appropriate time.

“All political leaders are pro-Pakistan and genuinely desire the country march on a trajectory of peace, prosperity and stability, under a strong democratic system,” he added.

To a question, the premier said he would not hesitate for a moment to consult the political leaders on any issue of national importance.

Pakistani politicians know the ‘art of possible,’ he said and cited the unanimous selection of the chief election commissioner as a manifestation of their acumen.

“Together we would overcome the challenges, with the same spirit, in future as well,” the premier said. Pakistani politicians have learnt from history and they are not going to repeat the same mistakes, come what may, he added. 

Published in The Express Tribune, July 22^nd, 2012.