June 17, 2002	Monday	Rabi-us-Sani 5, 1423

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ISLAMABAD, June 16: Former prime minister and Pakistan People’s Party Chairperson Benazir Bhutto on Saturday congratulated the people of Afghanistan upon peaceful election of Hamid Karzai as head of state.

In a statement, she urged the international community to provide financial and technical assistance to the new government as rapidly as possible.

The former premier said: “Peace in Afghanistan remains fragile. Without the full and immediate financial and technical support of the international community, the long-suppressed hopes and dreams of the Afghan people could turn into frustration.

“The international community must stand by its commitments to assist the Afghan people rebuild their country and their institutions. For our part, the PPP stands ready to provide all due assistance to the new government, and I am instructing my party to extend an open hand and an open door to Mr Karzai.”