By NNN-APP
Islamabad : Prime Minister Mohammedmian Soomro on Friday paid tributes to the members of his cabinet and said the caretaker government performed its prime task of holding general elections in a befitting way.
Speaking at a farewell dinner, he hosted for the cabinet, he said contrary to the expectations of many, the elections were held in a free, fair and transparent and peaceful manner.
“The world community is holding Pakistan in high esteem because of this step of the caretaker government,” he said in his brief address.
The reception was attended by majority of the cabinet members besides high ranking government officials.
Soomro termed his working with the cabinet an “enriching experience” which was dedicated, participative and committed.
He said the challenges, which he and his team of cabinet faced in a short span of time, were handled amicably.
Soomro particularly mentioned the security threats to Pakistan.
He said Pakistan at present was passing through a challenging phase and offered his best wishes for the next government.
Education Minister Shamsh Lakha said Mohammedmian Soomro was helpful and always willing to guide them whenever they needed.
He said the Prime Minister never interfered in the working of any ministry.
He thanked Prime Minister Soomro for the confidence that he reposed in the ministers, enabling them to tackle the challenges they faced.
Meanwhile, the caretaker federal cabinet held its last meeting Saturday, to review its performance a day before the new parliament is sworn in on Monday. The meeting chaired by Soomro at the Prime Minister Secretariat reviewed the tasks assigned to it, besides the decision taken during its brief stint in power.
The first meeting of the caretaker cabinet was held on Nov 18, 2007 and had to take crucial decisions including rescheduling of the holding of general election on Feb 18, following the death of Chairperson of PPP Ms Benazir Bhutto.
Under the Constitution the President is empowered to appoint a caretaker cabinet, after the National assembly completes its tenure, or is dissolved, to look after the day to day affairs and hold fresh election within the stipulated time.
The caretaker cabinet is also likely to acknowledge the role of the election commission, law enforcement agencies, the political parties and particularly the people of Pakistan for making the process a success. It will also appreciate their role for holding of the election on Feb 18 in a free, fair and transparent manner.