Musharraf has Worked for Democratic Development of Pakistan: US   
By Khalida Mazhar 'Pakistan Times' US Bureau Chief

WASHINGTON (US): The United States has acknowledged that President Pervez Musharraf has made progress towards democratic reforms and development of Pakistan and underscored the fact that the Pakistani leader himself had condemned the raid against a private channel on Friday.

State Department Spokesman Sean McCormack said at a briefing that the United States sees President Musharraf as a friend and an ally in the war on terror.

"President Musharraf is a good friend and ally in the war on terror, that he has a vision for Pakistan ... in terms of political and economic and social reform. He is proceeding along that pathway.

"We have encouraged the democratic development of Pakistan and there have been changes that have been made and President Musharraf has made progress in that regard," McCormack stated.

"Is there more to do? Yes, there is, absolutely, but President Musharraf is acting in the best interest of Pakistan and the Pakistani people," he added.

The Spokesman observed that President Musharraf clearly believes that working closely with the United States as well as others in the war on terror is important. He added terrorists threaten the United States as well as other countries around the world and pose a threat to Pakistan's future.

McCormack recounted that terrorists have twice tried to assassinate President Musharraf.

"Thankfully, those attempts have failed."

"So President Musharraf understands what's at stake not only for the rest of the world, but for Pakistan itself."

Responding to a question about ‘police action against independent Geo TV channel on Friday the Spokesman noted that the Pakistani leader has spoken to the issue.

"President Musharraf himself has spoken to the issue and he has said that it should not have taken place and that the journalists and TV media should be able to be free to report on events that are transpiring in their country."●