PESHAWAR, Aug 6: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Information Mian Iftikhar Hussain has urged the European Union to play its role in eradicating terrorism from the region to restore lasting peace in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

This he stated while talking to a two-member visiting delegation of the European Union here on Monday. Members of the delegation were Charge de Affairs, Mr Pierre Mayaudon and First Consular Political, Trade and Communication, Mr Alexendre Borges Gomes. Secretary Information Azmat Hanif Orakzai and Director Information Shuaiduddin were also present on the occasion.

Members of the delegation discussed matters of mutual interest and security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The minister maintained that the European Union had always helped Pakistan in difficult times, hoping that it would continue to do so in future also. He, however, said in the rapidly changing scenario particularly after the death of Osama Bin Laden,  misunderstandings widened between Pakistan, US and Afghanistan which needed to be removed.

Referring to the internal situation, the minister said Pakistan of today was stronger than in the past as all its institutions were working independently.  The present situation of tussle was due to democracy and independence of institutions. He said the world community should work for strengthening democratic institutions and discouraging the undemocratic forces and dictatorship.

Mr Iftikhar said the upcoming general elections would be held on time and would be free, fair and transparent as for the first time in the history of the country a unanimous election commissioner had been posted. He said foreign observers would also be invited to monitor the elections.—Bureau Report