Pakistan on Trajectory of Economic Growth, Moderation
By Khalida Mazhar 'Pakistan Times' US Bureau Chief

WASHINGTON (US): Pakistan is on a trajectory of economic growth and moderation and the country's border controls with Afghanistan are effective and improving, Pakistan's ambassador and permanent representative to the United Nations Munir Akram stressed in a letter published in an American newspaper on Tuesday.

Commenting on a recent editorial in The Washington Post, he termed its assertions as "incorrect and exaggerated" and also stated that President Pervez Musharraf will seek reelection in accordance with Pakistan's constitution and that there is no plan to exclude any party from the forthcoming elections.

"Despite some manifestations of extremism, Pakistan is on a trajectory of economic growth and moderation. Our border controls with Afghanistan are effective and improving. Conjecture about our army's tolerance or support of the Taliban is malicious," he wrote.

On presidential election, he stated "in accordance with Pakistan's constitution, President Pervez Musharraf will seek reelection by our national and provincial parliaments, whose terms expire after the end of the president's current term." These assemblies were popularly elected and remain legitimate and representative, he added.

The ambassador observed "it would be wonderful if all the political parties that share the president's vision of a progressive, moderate Pakistan could join in supporting these principles.

"There is no plan to exclude any party from the elections," he wrote and pointed out that "some leaders, however, face long-standing legal impediments to participation and political office."

"It is contrary to their and Pakistan's interests to join with the forces, including extremists, seeking to exploit the judicial controversy to promote their agendas through agitation and confrontation.

This could subvert the democratic process, strengthen extremism and erode Pakistan's ability to help pacify Afghanistan and combat terrorism," Ambassador Akram concluded.●