Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Thursday said his party respected the mandate of all parties given by the people of Pakistan in May 11 elections.
Talking to reporters in Karachi, the PM termed smooth democratic transition a good omen for the country.
“With such terrorism, extremism and violence, it is good news that Pakistan is now on the democratic path,” he said.
To a query on Karachi lawlessness, Nawaz said several meetings had been held on security issues and it would take some time to form a coordinated policy.
“Terrorism is in every province and I have talked to the chief ministers to devise a counter-terrorism policy,” he added.
To query on CEC’s resignation, the PM said Fakhru Bhai had had conducted free and fair election in the country and it was his wish that the CEC had continued his services for the country.
The prime minister said the country was facing challenges like terrorism and extremism, but it was encouraging that “we are moving forward in a civilized manner”.
To a question‚ he said the government was not oblivious to the security and law and order challenges, including the Karachi situation.
Nawaz said the federal and provincial governments had already started discussions on formulation of a strategy envisaging setting up a counterterrorism force and better policing to fight crime.
He termed his meeting with US Secretary of State John Kerry “positive” and one that focused on diverse issues including bilateral relations, trade ties and joint efforts against terrorism.
To a question on improving relations with India, Nawaz said the government wanted to enhance trade and investment ties with its neighbour.
“The link will be joined again as initiated from the Lahore Declaration,” the prime minister said while referring to the popular agreement signed between the governments of Pakistan and India in 1999.
Earlier‚ Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif reached Karachi on a daylong visit.
Just after reaching to the country’s financial capital, Nawaz visited the tomb of Quaid e Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah on a helicopter.
This was his first visit to Karachi after being elected as the prime minister.
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah and Governor Dr Ishratul Ebad Khan accompanied the premier.