Ashraf says PPP government committed to democracy in Pakistan

Prime minister says government committed to holding free, fair and impartial general elections.

VIENTIANE: Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf on Monday said his government was committed to holding free, fair and impartial general elections and considers it crucial for strengthening democracy and democratic institutions in Pakistan.

"No one can point fingers. As the largest single party in the country we consider it a sacred duty to strengthen democracy and democratic institutions," he said while talking to the Foreign Minister of Sweden, Carl Bildt.

The Swedish foreign minister had called on the prime minister on the sidelines of the Asia-Europe Meeting Summit (ASEM-9) being held here.  Ashraf said Pakistan attaches importance to its relations with Sweden.

He said Pakistan is a frontline state in the war against terrorism. "If the challenge of terrorism is big, our resolve is no less. We have no other option but to win the war," said the prime minister.  He expressed confidence that Pakistan would succeed in rooting out terrorism with the support of its people and cooperation of the international community.

Bildt appreciated the role of Pakistan and the sacrifices rendered by the country in the fight against terrorism.

The prime minister expressed satisfaction over the improvement in relations between India and Pakistan. He said trade concessions granted by the European Union (EU) have favourably impacted trade figures of Pakistan.

The Swedish foreign minister said his country has an abiding interest in the South Asian region and added Afghanistan would be a recipient of the biggest financial assistance from Sweden, even after the withdrawal of international troops.