26 December 2004	Sunday	13 Ziqa'ad 1425

LAHORE, Dec 25: Democracy has not been allowed to take roots in Pakistan despite the fact that it ensures stability of governance.

This was stated by New Zealand parliament member Dr Ashraf Chaudhry in his lecture arranged by Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development and Transparency here on Saturday with former National Assembly speaker Syed Fakhar Imam in the chair.

Dr Ashraf said legislators of Pakistani origin in other countries were ready to share their expertise with Pakistani legislators and the government on issues of mutual concern.

He believed that technical orientation of young Pakistani legislators and their exposure to developed democracies was necessary for their proper training.

He said New Zealand was wary of dealing with dictatorial regimes and people of Pakistan were considered to be very 'smart and crafty.'

He said Kashmir was considered a flashpoint in the region and "we urge both Pakistan and India to resolve the issue for the sake of the prosperity of the people."