Ishaq Dar, US Assistant Secretary discuss issues of bilateral interest

ISLAMABAD: Alice G. Wells, US Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asia and Acting Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan called on Finance Minister Senator Ishaq Dar and discussed matters of bilateral interest.

Dar, who is also Chairman Parliamentary Committee on Electoral Reforms congratulated Ambassador Wells on assuming her new responsibilities at the State Department.

He apprised her regarding the reforms being undertaken in the electoral process in the country.

Senator Ishaq Dar said it was with a comprehensive and dedicated effort that eight different laws on election system were being consolidated into a single law.

The draft law had already been prepared after thorough consultation by the Parliamentary Committee consisting of all political parties in the parliament.

He said the draft law would be placed before the parliament for legislation very soon.

The proposed law, he said, envisaged bringing complete transparency in the election system in the country.

Senator Dar and Ambassador Wells also discussed the current security situation in the region including Afghanistan.

Senator Ishaq Dar said Pakistan believed in having cordial ties with all its neighbours and stood for peace and prosperity in the region.

Pakistan supported all steps and efforts towards enhancing regional connectivity and economic cooperation.

Senator Dar said revival of economy and elimination of extremism and terrorism had been part of the four major priorities of the PMLN's election manifesto.

He said Pakistan had made tremendous progress in both these areas in the last four years.

Senator Dar referred to his recent interactions with US National Security Advisor Lieutenant General H. R. McMaster wherein they had agreed to take steps to further promote Pak US relations.

Ishaq Dar also made special mention of Pakistan's continued efforts to eliminate the scourge of militancy.

He also referred to the recent meeting between Chief of Army Staff, General Qamar Bajwa and US Commander in Afghanistan Gen Nicholson and said Pakistani people and armed forces were committed to the cause of eliminating terrorism and had offered countless sacrifices in the war on terror which were internationally known.

US Assistant Secretary appreciated Pakistan Government's steps in strengthening the national economy and improving the overall security situation.

Referring to the recent terrorist attacks in Afghanistan and Pakistan, she emphasized the need for continued efforts to counter and eliminate the terrorist threat.

US Ambassador David Hale was also present on the occasion.