December 15, 2007	Saturday	Zilhaj 4, 1428

ISLAMABAD, Dec 14: Minister for Information and Broadcasting Nisar A. Memon has expressed shock and dismay at the reported results of a public opinion poll conducted by the International Republican Institute (IRI).

According to a press release issued here on Friday, the minister said there were serious concerns about the focus and timing of the poll. He said the poll focused primarily on the emergency and reactions on issues that had already been addressed.

The detainees have since been released, media restrictions removed, the president has taken oath as civilian president, and emergency itself was being lifted on Saturday.

The poll results, he said, were being interpreted to cast aspersions on the credibility of the electoral process which was unfair and an attempt to influence the election process from outside.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to hold free, fair and transparent elections. Reiterating that the government would welcome international observers and monitors, he noted the steps taken to facilitate the visit of foreign observers, including those affiliated with IRI.—APP