'Government Committed to a Representative Political Order' – Information Minister

Islamabad, Sept11, 2008: The Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ms Sherry Rehman has said that the smooth process of the recent presidential election and the overwhelming political support pledged to President Zardari for his political ideals, marks an important step towards the country's successful transition to democracy.

Ms Rehman expressed these views while talking to the Australian High Commissioner Ms Zorica McCarthy and Ambassador of Argentine Mr. Rodolfo Martin Saravia who called on her at the Ministry for Information and Broadcasting today.

The Federal Information Minister said that the government has a responsibility to follow the public mandate for the development of the country and the political leadership has demonstrated support for government's move to resolve current challenges faced by the nation. "There is consensus between all political forces on all important national issues and we are committed to ensuring that our policies and actions reflect public interest and public will. The combination of consensus government and a democratically-elected President will create unity and space for necessary structures for the implementation of a broad national agenda for development of the country."

Ms Rehman said that Pakistan has an important position in the global war on terror. "There is a need for all stakeholders in this war to show consideration for the country's fundamental realities and challenges as Pakistan has made the most important contribution towards achieving the objectives of this war."

Describing political and economic stability as the priority area of the government, Ms Rehman said that all government measures towards this end are guided by its resolve to strengthen and empower institutions and improve their capacity for service delivery. "On economic front, we are fixing imbalances in agricultural production, exports, trade balance and budget deficit. On the political side, the government's message for reconciliation has opened doors for communication and dialogue between all political fractions. We are committed to follow a representative system so that all political entities are allowed space to contribute in shaping the future direction of the country's policies, and progress."