May 9, 2005	Monday	Rabi-ul-Awwal 29, 1426

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BRUNEI, May 8: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz told the Pakistani community here on Sunday that the internal situation in Pakistan was better, political process was moving ahead and things were under control. Speaking at a gathering of Pakistanis, he urged them to perform well and contribute to the development of their host country.

The prime minister ascribed the improvement in Pakistan to economic reforms and President Gen Pervez Musharraf’s forward-looking policies. He said efforts were under way to place Pakistan among the top 10 Asian countries in a few years. He said the government was giving special attention to the education sector.

He said Pakistan was playing a key role in promoting peace and stability.

He said Pakistan and India were trying to resolve all issues, including the Kashmir dispute, through dialogue.

The Kashmir issue had to be resolved in accordance with United Nations resolutions and aspirations of Kashmiri people, he said.

He said Pakistan was making efforts to unite the Ummah on a platform to counter the warped perception of Islam.

He mentioned the country’s improved relations with its neighbours, particularly Afghanistan and Iran, and declared China as the only true friend of Pakistan.

The proposed trans-Pakistan gas pipeline project would consolidate the country’s relations with Iran, the prime minister maintained, adding that Pakistan had also offered the energy corridor to India.

Members of the Pakistani community drew the prime minister’s attention to their problems regarding passports and banks. The prime minister assured them that their problems would be addressed.

There are around 1,000 Pakistanis in Brunei and most of them are linked to the education field.

Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Brunei also spoke.