OTTAWA, Feb 23: Welcoming the completion of the election process in Pakistan, Canadian Foreign Minister Maxime Bernier said that Ottawa was looking forward to working with the new government in Islamabad to advance democratic development.

“Canada is pleased that postponed elections held on February 18 were conducted peacefully, and that Pakistanis turned out to vote despite concerns about security,” he said on Friday, adding: “The people of Pakistan have taken an important step toward restoring democracy in their country.”

In an official statement, Mr Bernier said Canada encouraged Pakistan’s political leaders to work together, in a democratic and transparent manner.