US lawmakers laud Musharraf's steps toward democracy

A delegation of Pakistani special envoys, who met with US lawmakers on the Capitol Hill, have reported broad appreciation for recent steps taken for return to full democracy as well as continued support for progress of the country.
The envoys including ministers, Dr Nasim Ashraf and Barrister Mohammad Ali Saif, and former MNA Kashmala Tariq, who had meetings with both Democratic and Republican legislators, also said their interlocutors hoped for full participation in January 8 parliamentary elections.
"The American legislators were unanimous in opposing any notions of cut in assistance for Pakistan and also welcomed recent steps taken by President Musharraf including his relinquishing the office of army chief and the pledge to revoke emergency by December 16, they hoped the elections will be free and fair and the lifting of emergency will not be delayed by a single day," leader of the delegation Dr Nasim Ashraf told APP.
The lawmakers the Pakistani envoys interacted with, included Democratic Senators Russ Feingold, Debbie Stabenow and Tim Johnson and Republican members of Congress Ed Royce, Joseph Knollenberg and Thadeu McCotter.
Dr Nasim Ashraf explained the extraordinary circumstances that led to introduction of unusual measures in the country and spoke of President Musharraf's commitment to full democracy.
Meanwhile, Pakistan's ambassador to the United States, Mahmud Ali Durrani hosted a reception in honour of the visiting special envoys of the government at the embassy, where delegation interacted with members of Pakistani American community.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Ashraf dwelt at length on reasons behind imposition of emergency on November 3 and said the recent "painful and difficult" measures had become "unavoidable" as the country was confronted with a wave of terrorism and disharmony between institutions.
He hailed the expatriate Pakistanis as true ambassadors of their country and stated their reaction to recent situation reflects their patriotism. He pleaded with them to voice their views in a manner that may not hurt interests of the country.
Dr Ashraf said the government is committed to holding free and fair elections and listed achievements the country has made both domestically and internationally under President Musharraf. Barrister Saif explained the constitutional and legal perspective of the pre-emergency situation with regard to functioning of the judiciary and the executive.
Responding to a question, he said the release of terror suspects impacted on the law and order situation in the country. Kashmala Tariq, in her remarks, particularly focussed on the importance of unprecedented representation President Musharraf's government gave to women at the local, provincial and national tiers of governance. The envoys also interacted with editorial board members of The Washington Post and the Los Angeles Times.