January 12, 2008	Saturday	Muharram 02,1429

KARACHI, Jan 11: German Ambassador Hans-Joachim Kidrlen on Friday called on the leaders of Jamaat-i-Islami at Idara Noor-i-Haq and exchanged views on the upcoming elections scheduled for Feb 18 and other matters of mutual interests.

Terming the assassination of the Pakistan People’s Party chairperson, Benazir Bhutto, a great tragedy, he said that such incidents tarnished the image of Pakistan. He also said that the European Union (EU) had also expressed its reservations over the prevailing situation in Pakistan.

Mr Kidrlen said that an EU delegation would visit Pakistan on the eve of the coming general elections in the country and would play the role of observers.

“We will fully cooperate with Pakistan in holding general elections”, he said. He also expressed hope that after holding of fair and transparent elections democracy would be restored in Pakistan.

Earlier, JI leader Prof Ghafoor Ahmad said the entire world was concerned over the prevailing situation in the country. He said that the decision to postpone the elections to Feb 18 was uncalled for.

Referring to boycott of the elections by the All-Parties Democratic Movement (APDM), he pointed out that prior to the boycott of the elections the APDM had urged the government that an impartial election commission should be constituted, 1973 constitution be restored and detained judges should be released. As the government failed to respond positively, the APDM boycotted the polls as transparent elections could not be held under the supervision of Pervez Musharraf, he said.

The JI leader said that the government had failed in maintaining law and order. He also criticised the government for terming every blast in the country suicide attack to cover up its incompetence.

However, he said that during Moharram they would extend full cooperation to the government for the maintenance of law and order.

Other JI leaders who were present on the occasion included Mohammad Hussain Mehanti, Dr Mairajul Huda Siddiqui, Muzaffar Ahmad Hashmi, Sarfraz Ahmad etc.