LAHORE, April 8: A delegation of the American Congress called on Chief Minister Pervaiz Elahi on Sunday and urged the need to introduce “true” democratic process in Pakistan.

Nita Lowey, who is heading the delegation currently visiting the country, urged the need to fortify education in Pakistan linking it directly to the development of the real democratic system at the grassroots level.

The chief minister said the Pakistan government had introduced democracy in the country through its devolution plan whereby powers had been devolved at the union council level, empowering the people to resolve their problems.

He said the Jamia Hafsa issue would be resolved through negotiations. He claimed the head of the seminary had single-handedly created the crisis and no other religious scholar was supporting him in his drive to impose Sharia on Islamabad.

Ms Lowey said Lahore was an important city contributing to the progress of Pakistan, adding she was impressed by its historic places, cultural beauty and hospitality of the people.

The chief minister said extremism could be controlled with strong economy, poverty reduction and a developed education sector.