ISLAMABAD, March 17: President Pervez Musharraf has termed the convening of the new National Assembly as historical event and expressed confidence that Pakistan will continue to move forward on the path of democracy and economic growth.

He was talking on Monday to Ambassador Richard Holbrooke, United States’ former permanent representative to the United Nations who currently heads the Asia Society.

Ambassador Holbrooke appreciated the president’s commitment to democracy and the holding of peaceful election.

The president said the new assembly had come into being as a result of free, fair, transparent and peaceful election.

President Musharraf reiterated Pakistan’s firm resolve to fight extremism and terrorism.

He spoke about the multi-pronged strategy being followed in Fata –comprising military, political and socio-economic components.

The president underlined the importance of accelerated progress on initiatives like Reconstruction Opportunity Zones (ROZs) and support for the Fata development plan.

—APP