Alluding to the recent judgement in the Asghar Khan case, the Prime Minister said history has vindicated Mohtarma Benazir Bhuttoo Shaheed who on the eve of 1990 elections said that the elections were stolen. "We are conscious of this and have brought about a system to ensure that no one can point fingers". The Prime Minister said, "All political forces are on the same page as reflected in the appointment of a Chief Election Commissioner by consensus".
Responding to a query on the law and order situation, the Prime Minister said that the law and order situation in the country was normal except for a few pockets. The Prime Minister said that the Election Commission of Pakistan is a powerful and independent institution which, along with caretaker government, would be responsible for holding General Elections in the country.
Referring to the passage of Fair Trial Bill, the Prime Minister said that we have good working relationship with opposition as manifested in the passage of the bill with consensus. Joe Cark, former Canadian Prime Minister, who led the delegation, said that he was pleased with the openness of the people of Pakistan and impressed by the arrangements made for holding elections in the country.
Joe Cark observed that the composition of electorate has changed due to higher percentage of youth and women. He wondered if they were aware about the requirements of the elections. He informed the Prime Minister that during his meeting with various sections of society, he was told that the forthcoming election is associated with hope which he termed as encouraging. Joe Cark said that he found Pakistan different from the perception it carries in the west. The successful conclusion of the elections would "favourably impact its reputation", he added.-PR