LONDON, March 16: Foreign Secretary David Miliband has praised both President Asif Ali Zardari and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif; the former for his decision to reinstate Chief Justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry and the latter for calling off the long march.

In a statement issued by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) on Monday, Mr Miliband said the steps taken to defuse political tensions had demonstrated that “both men were willing to put the interests of Pakistan first”.

He hoped that all parties would now quickly come together around a common agenda to consolidate the political steps made and agree on measures that would strengthen democracy and impartial justice in Pakistan.

“There is now a real opportunity for the country to move forward and tackle the pressing challenges it faces, particularly the mortal threat posed by violent extremists.

“I look forward to maintaining my close contacts with Pakistan’s leaders, and to continuing to work with them as they confront these challenges.”
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