SARGODHA, Sept 19: Bryan E Burton, counsellor (political) and deputy high commissioner of the Canadian high commission, and Dag Juhlin Dannfelt, the counsellor of Sweden, visited Sargodha on Wednesday.

Talking to Dawn, Mr Burton said at the moment it was very difficult to say about pre-poll rigging complaints. He said during their meetings, bigwigs of various political parties were critical of the ‘King’s party’. Some people alleged that the government machinery was being used for the victory of the PML-QA.

He said the election process was going on smoothly, however, the election festivity was missing as main leaders of the two big parties were away from Pakistan.

He said Gen Pervez Musharraf had won the sympathies of the West by joining hands with them against terrorism. He said western countries were interested in the revival of democracy in Pakistan and were monitoring the situation with the consent of its government.

Answering a question, Mr Bryan said the Canadian government had expressed concern over human rights violation in held Kashmir and other parts of India. This version was seconded by Dag Juhlin Dannfelt.

Both the diplomats were of the view that the print media was doing a lot for mobilizing public opinion, and they were very much impressed by the reporting.

Later, they attended a reception hosted by Chak 39-NB union council Nazim Malik Hamid Nawaz where they met office bearers of various political parties.

Earlier, they took a round of the various constituencies, including NA-64, 65, 66 and 67, and met the candidates. They also visited the District Bar Association.

ACID ATTACK: A man threw acid on his wife for objecting to his immoral activities.