September 12, 2008	Friday	Ramazan 11, 1429

ISLAMABAD, Sept 11: Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Sherry Rehman said on Thursday that the smooth process of presidential elections and overwhelming political support extended to President Asif Ali Zardari marked an important step forward in the country’s successful transition to democracy.

Talking to Australian High Commissioner Zorica McCarthy and Argentinian Ambassador Rodolfo Martin Saravia at the Information Ministry, Ms Rehman said the government would follow the public mandate for development.

“There is consensus between all political forces on all important national issues and we are committed to ensuring that our policies and actions reflect public interest and public will.

The combination of consensus government and a democratically-elected president will create unity and space for necessary structures for the implementation of a broad national agenda for development of the country,” she said.

Describing political and economic stability as priorities of the government, Ms Rehman said all government measures were guided by its resolve to strengthen and empower institutions and improve their capacity for service delivery.

She said: “On economic front, we are fixing imbalances in agricultural production, exports, trade balance and budget deficit. On political side, the government’s message for reconciliation has opened doors for communication and dialogue between all political fractions.

We are committed to follow a representative system so that all political entities are allowed space to contribute in shaping the future direction of the country’s policies, and progress.”