Pakistan reiterates commitment to return to Democracy
'Pakistan Times' Political Desk

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan, reiterating commitment to return to full civilian democratic rule, said Wednesday that the imposition of emergency in the country was “temporary” and aimed at restoring internal harmony in the country.

Commenting on statements from abroad on the proclamation of emergency in Pakistan, a Foreign Office spokesman said the international community needed to show understanding of this difficult decision to address an extraordinary situation.

“Our friends abroad need to appreciate that any steps that may add to the difficulties of Pakistan in these critical times could hurt the global interests for security and stability in the region,” the spokesman said.

In a statement released from the Foreign Office, the spokesman said, “the emergency was imposed to avert an institutional breakdown that could have caused political instability, harmed economic growth and also undermined the efforts of the state to counter terrorist and extremist militancy.”

“The decision was, therefore, in the best national interest of Pakistan,” the spokesman said.

He said the measures under the emergency are temporary but vitally important at this point of time is to restore internal harmony in the country.

The spokesman said the government and the President are committed to full civilian democratic rule and holding of elections. He pointed that the President has already stated that he remains determined to complete the next phase of return to full democracy in the country.

He said political activity has already been set in motion for this purpose and to maintain effective governance in the country and to take forceful action against militancy, violence and terrorism.

The Cabinet has already met twice and the Parliament has been convened to discuss the situation and the way forward to implement democratic agenda.

“We understand the concern and advice of our friends over the situation and their desire that we overcome the difficulties within the shortest possible time,” the spokesman said.

“However, we reject a few of the unwarranted criticism and excessive reactions that clearly betray a lack of understanding of the challenging circumstances faced by the country,” he said.●