Secretary General Pakistan Muslim League Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed welcoming a British tourist delegation said Pakistan is one of the best countries for natural and religious tourism.
Talking to a delegation of British tourists here at PML House, Mushahid said Pakistan has been facing problem due to various reasons including its location near Afghanistan, which is a disturbed land but still a large number of tourists are coming to Pakistan. Welcoming the tourists mostly retired persons led by Bruce Wannell, Senator Mushahid explained in detail about Pakistan's internal and external situation.
The PML Secretary General said it is election year in Pakistan and major issues are being discussed and decided in the courts, as there is rule of law in the country.
He especially referred to the decision of President General Pervez Musharraf to step down as Army Chief after being re-elected as President and before taking oath as President for second term. Mushahid said the PML (Q) and its allied parties have the required strength to re-elect the President from the present assemblies.
Referring to the political and other challenges being faced by the government, he expressed the hope that the government will meet these challenges. He said there would be a peaceful and democratic transition in the country.
Mushahid said the government has taken a number of steps to promote education, empowerment of the women and improve economic conditions of the country. He said 22 percent women are members of the parliament while now they have equal access to each and every department and working even as fighter pilots besides serving the Pakistan Army and many other departments.
He said Pakistan is the free Muslim democratic country and it has vibrant and open society. He said the government of President General Pervez Musharraf opened up political system, ensured media freedom, protected middle class and encouraged youth.
Replying to a question about the challenges being faced by President General Pervez Musharraf, he said, "He is a fighter who faced seven assassinated attacks on him and still determined to face any challenge as he has extraordinary courage."
Regarding Afghanistan situation, Mushahid said it was made complicated due to negligence of the West after winning the war against the Soviet invasion in 1979.
Mushahid said over 5 billion dollars were pumped through Pakistan in 1979 mostly by US, UK and other Middle East countries to fight the Russian invasion in Afghanistan but after winning the war, the West walked away created chaos and confusion in the area. He said neglecting Afghanistan created many problems for Pakistan and for the world also.
Mushahid said instead of concentrating on the development of Afghanistan, America started illegal, immoral and unjustified war in Iraq. About the activities of the PML, Senator Mushahid said PML has been organising and celebrating religious festivals of all the religions and held special functions at the PML House on Christmas, Easter, Dewali, Holi and birthday of Grunanak. The members of the British tourist delegation appreciated the atmosphere and hospitality of the people of Pakistan.