LONDON, Dec 29 (APP)-The British Government desire that Pakistan return to full democracy so that the country move ahead and tackle the challenges and issues facing it.
Speaking to the media at the Pakistan High Commission on Saturday after recording his impression in the book of condolence on the death of former prime minister and Chairperson, Pakistan Peoples party Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, the British Foreign Secretary David Miliband said it was imperative that Pakistan make full transition to democracy through the ballot box and that the voices of the decent majority of Pakistani people should be heard rather than minority who resort to violence.
Asked whether the parliamentary elections be held on time, he said this decision must be taken by those people on the ground and the decision by PPP would be critical in respect of these elections.
He said he understands that the Election Commission of Pakistan is meeting on December 31 to take a decision. “Our concern at this stage is that Pakistan returns to democracy through the ballot box.”
On the initial findings of the Interior Ministry regarding the circumstances that led to the death of the PPP leader, Miliband said,” Obviously, we’ve followed carefully the presentations made yesterday by the Interior Ministry. We have no suggestions that we have any information that hasn’t been looked at by the Pakistani authorities and certainly no information to contradict the presentations of the Interior Ministry.”
The British Foreign Secretary said in his telephonic conversation with the caretaker Prime Minister Mianmohammad Soomro he has offered full assistance of the British Government or any of its agencies in further addressing the issue of investigations.
He noted that the last 48 hours have obviously been the time of shock and grief in Pakistan and rest of the world. However, he said the next 48 hours are the time of unity and responsibility.
“ I look forward to all the leaders in Pakistan whether in politics, military or civic life or business or in faith communities coming together to build a unified response to help the country take forward and that’s certainly what I’ll be working for in my continued conversations and engagements with politicians and others in Pakistan.”
While condoling with the family of Ms.Bhutto and her party at this terrible loss, Miliband said the British Government look to PPP to take forward the work and values for which late leader worked during her courageous life.
He said the British Government was also keen on knowing the decision of the PPP meeting on Sunday which will determine short term how that party plans to address the issues facing the country.
“The position of the British Government has always been to support the drive for democracy and for progress in Pakistan and it our determination to support strong systems as we well as strong leaders to help take Pakistan forward.”