April 10, 2006	Monday	Rabi-ul-Awwal 11, 1427

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CHAKWAL, April 9: Senator Brian A. Joyce on Sunday said the US desired that the 2007 general elections should be free, fair and transparent as Pakistan’s future lay in democracy. He was talking to reporters after visiting Katas Raj, Chakwal district, along with three other US senators.

Member of Punjab Assembly Maha Tareen Raja had invited them to visit the historic place.

The delegation was informed that Katas Raj was built more than 5,000 years ago.

Senator Joyce said during their 10-day stay in Islamabad they met government functionaries, held meetings with leaders of opposition parties.

He said the opposition parties feared that in the present setup, free, fair and impartial elections could not be held. Whereas, the ruling party was giving out assurances that an interim setup would hold polls.

Replying to another question, the American senator said the US and Pakistan enjoyed cordial relations with each other and this would help improve economic activities in Pakistan.

Later, former adviser to the Punjab chief minister, Raja Munawar Ahmed, hosted lunch for the delegation at his residence in Kot Rajgan.