RAWALPINDI, Sept 28: President Gen Pervez Musharraf on Wednesday said that his government had been working for socio-economic reforms and empowerment of women in the country.

He was talking to an Australian parliamentary delegation.

The president apprised the delegation about steps taken to curb extremism and terrorism.

He also touched upon the regional security situation and the ongoing composite dialogue with India for resolution of all outstanding issues, including the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.

The strategy of enlightened moderation and strengthening of democratic institutions in the country, including the introduction of democracy at the grass-roots level, were also explained.

Gen Musharraf expressed the confidence that relations between Pakistan and Australia would be strengthened through increased economic and commercial cooperation.

Recalling his visit to Australia in June, the president thanked the Australian government for offering 500 scholarships to Pakistani students.

He expressed the hope that collaboration between the two countries would increase, especially in the fields of agriculture and agro-based industry, fruit processing, dairy and education.

The Australian delegation comprised MPs Peter Lindsay, Peter Slipper and Harry Quick and Senator Ruth S. Webberr.

The delegation appreciated the steps taken by the Pakistani government for economic and social development of the country and for curbing extremism and terrorism.

They said that Pakistan had an important role to play at the regional and global levels not only in maintenance of peace and security but also in economic and social progress.

National Assembly speaker Chaudhry Amir Hussain attended the meeting.