Pak crisis: Nawaz seeks US intervention

Lahore, Dec 4: Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has appealed to the US to play a role in restoring the pre-November 3 judiciary in the country. “I reiterate my demand for restoring the judiciary and this isn"t emergency rule, but martial law," Nawaz said, adding that the War on Terror could be won only if the country is democratic.

US Ambassador Anne W Patterson said Washington wanted free and fair elections in Pakistan, and added that the US is also providing all possible resources to Pakistan.

She called upon the Musharraf regime to immediately lift the state of emergency and curbs on the media, adding that the government must remain impartial to ensure fairness in the forthcoming elections. Patterson also urged political parties and the public to participate in the polls scheduled to be held on January 8, 2008.

She also met Human Rights Commission of Pakistan Chairperson Asma Jehangir.“For elections to be credible, detained members of political parties and civil society must be released. The media must be free to report on events and share their opinions with the public," Patterson told reporters after her meeting with Jehangir.

ANI
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