0
ISLAMABAD, Oct 23: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz briefed Commonwealth Secretary-General Donald C. McKinnon on full restoration of democracy in the country and Pakistan's role in promoting regional and global peace.
The prime minister said that Pakistan was committed to be an anchor of peace and stability in the region.
He said the National Assembly has passed a legislation allowing President Gen Pervez Musharraf to hold both the offices of the COAS and the president.
Mr Aziz said that in the prevailing circumstances President Musharraf would play an effective role in promoting peace and security.
The Commonwealth secretary-general called on the prime minister here on Saturday. Foreign Minister Khurshid Kasuri and Pakistan's High Commissioner to UK Maleeha Lodhi were also present during the meeting.
Mr Aziz discussed with Mr McKinnon policy issues relating to economic development in Commonwealth member states with particular reference to health and education sectors.
The prime minister said that Pakistan was keen to expand relations with the Commonwealth member states in various fields.
He said that there were areas in development and financing, such as micro-credit, information technology and financial sector, in which some member countries like Pakistan had accumulated expertise and could be utilized by other member countries.
The secretary-general agreed with the prime minister on the need to assist member countries for promoting socio-economic development by enabling them to share skills and knowledge.
Mr McKinnon said the Commonwealth was offering technical assistance to Pakistan in various fields and the
details would be worked out by experts accompanying him on the visit.
ACTING SENATE CHIEF: Commonwealth Secretary-General Don McKinnon here on Saturday called on Acting Chairman Senate Khalil-ur-Rehman at the Parliament House.
They discussed matters of mutual interest with special emphasis on promotion of parliamentary cooperation between the Senate of Pakistan and that of the Commonwealth.
Mr Khalil appreciated Mr McKinnon's positive contribution to lifting the restriction. Pakistan was keen to play an active role and fully participate in all the deliberations and activities of the Commonwealth, he added.
He expressed the hope that following the lifting of suspension, Pakistan would be adequately represented in various Commonwealth institutions including its Secretariat.
Mr Khalil stated that democracy had been restored and was taking roots in Pakistan. Economic development had been top priority of the present government, he informed the foreign official.
He briefed the secretary-general about government policies on good governance, child labour, human rights and human security issues, including provision of clean water and education to the people. He also proposed mutual exchanges in various fields.
The secretary-general, Commonwealth, said the purpose of his visit to Pakistan was to promote mutual understanding between Pakistan and Commonwealth.-APP
