Pak PM Ashraf hails completion of full term by first elected govt. as ‘victory’

Tweet

London, Mar 17: Pakistan Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf has hailed as “a victory” for democracy the completion of a full term by an elected government for the first time in the country’s history.

Since Pakistan was founded in 1947, governments were often overthrown in coups, toppled by political infighting or end in assassinations or murders, reports the BBC.

An interim government will now be installed until the next election, which is expected to be held in May.

Ashraf, in a televised address to the nation, said that there is a long history of tussle between the democratic and undemocratic forces in Pakistan, but the democratic forces have finally achieved a victory. He added that Pakistan had finally managed to strengthen “the foundations of democracy”.

Ashraf said the ruling Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) had tried its best to alleviate the country’s problems.

Ashraf also promised that the forthcoming elections would be free and fair, and said he hoped the parties would reach consensus “amicably” on which of the rival candidates should head the caretaker cabinet.

Two opposition parties – led by ex-Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and former cricket star Imran Khan – are expected to present the greatest challenge to the PPP in the elections.(ANI)