KARACHI, July 27: British Deputy High Commissioner Hamesh Daniel said here on Wednesday that there had been an improvement in the situation in Pakistan, especially in Karachi where business activities had geared up and pace of development increased. Expressing his views during a meeting at Governor’s House, the British diplomat praised the steps taken by the government.

About the recent bomb blasts in London, he said that certain newspapers had attributed some remarks to him which he had never made. He said that Pakistanis were not involved in the bombings in his country. Swiss Consul General Julius Andreg said Pakistan’s trade with Switzerland had registered an increase and trade relations between the two countries had strengthened.

He said the government of Pakistan had taken steps which had brought about improvements in the situation and contributed to growth in trade activities. Governor Dr Ishratul-Ebad Khan said the government was making all-out efforts to eradicate extremism and terrorism, adding that protection of basic human rights was the top-most priority of the government.

He said madressahs were being reformed and steps had been taken to strengthen democracy and to run the government on democratic lines. He told diplomats of non-Muslim countries that local body elections would be held in a peaceful environment and in a free, impartial and transparent manner. Fool-proof arrangements had been made to cope with any untoward situation.

He reiterated that elections would not be held under army supervision because police and Rangers were capable of handling the situation. The governor assured the diplomats that measures had been taken for their security and for the security of the people.

He referred to the unfortunate incidents which took place during the May 12 by-elections for national and provincial assemblies in Karachi and said the situation now was different. At that time, he said, elections were being held only in Karachi and the entire pressure was on the city.

The governor said that Pakistan had to face difficult conditions because of its role in the global war against terrorism. The terrorists made attacks in Karachi.—APP