Reiterating the government’s resolve to hold the forthcoming elections in a transparent manner, Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf on Monday said change in a democratic country was only possible through ballot. The prime minister said this while separately meeting parliamentarians including Syed Inayat Ali Shah, Suraya Jatoi, and Qasim Ali Shah at the Prime’s Minister House. He said the democratic government had served the people of Pakistan with devotion and commitment as the PPP believed in serving the nation. “Development work carried out in the last five years is unparalleled in the history of the country.” The premier emphasised the role of free, fair and transparent elections for a strong and durable democracy to take roots in the country. “Parliament has strengthened the Election Commission of Pakistan to ensure that the people’s choice is transparently reflected into the formation of government.” Ashraf said parliament was completing its constitutional term, which was an important milestone for attaining political and democratic maturity in Pakistan. Separately, talking to Australian Prime Minister’s Special Envoy Air Chief Marshal (r) Angus Houston, who called on the prime minister, Ashraf said Pakistan was committed to eliminating human trafficking. Ashraf said Pakistan was committed to the Bali Process and eliminating sufferings caused due to human trafficking. Houston briefed Ashraf on the policies and efforts being made by the Australian government to check human trafficking and reiterated that Australia would work closely with Pakistan to reduce human trafficking. The envoy suggested that Pakistan raise its representation in the Bali Process to the ministerial level, which was accepted by the prime minister.
