LAHORE, Nov 14: India-Pakistan Australian High Commission Political and Public Affairs head Murray Harris has said his government wants full democratic rule in Pakistan.
Talking to People’s Party Punjab finance secretary Aurangzeb Barki here on Wednesday, he said the Australian prime minister had talked to Gen Pervez Musharraf on telephone about the restoration of democracy.
The diplomat, who had come to Pakistan from New Delhi to meet PPP chairperson Benazir Bhutto, met the party’s finance secretary after the administration refused to allow him to meet Ms Bhutto or Senator Latif Khosa.
The PPP leader briefed the diplomat about the party’s stand on the issues confronting the nation and Benazir’s views about restoration of democracy, independence of judiciary and media and her resolve to continue the struggle till the withdrawal of extra-constitutional measures for ensuring fair and free elections.
Governor: Governor Khalid Maqbool has stressed the need for moderation in attitudes in the prevailing circumstances.
The governor, who saw off the first PIA flight to Saudi Arabia with 433 intending pilgrims aboard at Allama Iqbal International Airport early on Wednesday morning, said extremism and emotionalism were against the teachings of Islam.
He said Haj promotes tolerance, patience, discipline and high moral values. He asked the intending pilgrims to pray for the progress and prosperity of Pakistan.
Haj Director Faroghe Aftab Zaidi said 31,405 intending pilgrims would leave for Saudi Arabia from the provincial capital by 73 flights in one month. He said 159,588 Pakistanis would perform Haj this year, adding the number was higher than any other country in the world.
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