ISLAMABAD, Jan 6: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz has stressed the need for promoting political congeniality and civility to strengthen democratic institutions in the country. He was talking to ruling Pakistan Muslim League president Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, and Punjab Chief Minister Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi, who called on him at the Prime Minister’s House to discuss the overall political situation and the next general elections.

Mr Aziz emphasised a culture of cooperation and understanding as political activities would gain pace in the days ahead.

He said the PML and its coalition partners would contest the general elections from a single platform and hoped for victory on the basis of their track record.

He said the government believed in keeping cordial relationship with all political parties including the opposition so as to develop consensus on matters of national importance.

Pakistan-Afghan relations were also discussed in the meeting.

Mr Aziz said that strong and stable Afghanistan was in the best interest of Pakistan and its people.

The prime minister briefed the two leaders about his visit to Kabul and talks with Afghan President Hamid Karzai.

The prime minister said that the decision of fencing and mining the areas along the Afghan border would not affect the easement rights the people.

Chaudhry Shujaat said that the agreement between the two countries to repatriate Afghan refugees was significant as it would help improve the relations between the two countries.

He also said supported the decision to selectively fence and mine the border areas between the two countries as it would prevent the movement of undesirable elements.

Political developments in the country, PML, enrolment drive and preparation for the general elections were also discussed.