October 13, 2003	Monday	Sha'aban 16, 1424

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ISLAMABAD, Oct 12: An official spokesman has described the Human Rights Watch report on Pakistan a travesty of truth based on unfounded allegations and hearsay.

Pervez Musharraf’s three-year rule has been characterized by full respect for human rights, complete freedom of expression and a free media, he asserted.

This, he said, was acknowledged even by the strongest critics of the president.

On the issue of continuing terrorism, the spokesman said the role played by Pakistan under the leadership of President Musharraf was acknowledged by the international community.

President Musharraf had unfolded an anti-terrorism policy in August 2001, ahead of the 9/11 events and banned seven sectarian organizations, he said.

Gen Musharraf, he said, had earned the admiration of Pakistanis and non Pakistanis alike for his bold initiatives in this regard.

During the tenure of Gen Pervez Musharraf as chief executive, the Press has enjoyed unprecedented freedom, he said, adding that this contrasts with the arrest and harassment of journalists and senior editors during the two elected regimes that preceded Gen Musharraf.

The spokesman said the president in compliance with an order of the Supreme Court held fair, free and transparent elections in October 2002, and transferred all powers of the chief executive to the elected prime minister.

Pakistan today has a democratically elected government in place which takes independent decisions in the interest of the nation and state, he said.

The judiciary is free and parliament fully functional, he said and advised the Human Rights Watch to check the realities on the ground before pronouncing judgments on the conduct of a government.—APP