ISLAMABAD, June 14: President General Pervez Musharraf has congratulated Hamid Karzai on his election as head of the state of the transitional administration of Afghanistan.

The president in his message of felicitation said: “Excellency and dear brother, I extend to you heartiest felicitations of the people and government of Pakistan on your election as the head of the state of the transitional administration of Afghanistan”.

The Emergency Loya Jirga has demonstrated the trust that the Afghan people have in your leadership and their admiration and respect for the contribution made by you towards bringing normalcy to Afghanistan during the last six months as chairman of the Afghan interim administration.

The president said: “I am confident that under your guidance our cordial relations will continue to gain momentum and will be consolidated further for the mutual benefit of our two nations.

“I avail myself of this opportunity to convey my best wishes for your health and well-being and for the progress and prosperity of the brotherly people of Afghanistan. Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.”