Emergency in Pakistan ''an inopportune happening'': PDP

Jammu, Nov 4 (UNI) Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today termed the imposition of emergency in Pakistan as ''an inopportune happening'' and hoped for early return of democracy in the neighboring country.

''I am optimistic about the return of democracy in Pakistan and hope that it will be as swift as has been the imposition of emergency,'' Mr Sayeed, chief patron of state government ally People's Democratic Party (PDP) said.

Asserting that Pakistan has been passing through difficult times, he prayed for stabilisation of the situation in Islamabad in the larger interest of the regions' peace.

Maintaining that President Parvez Musharraf's presence has helped in improving relations between India and Pakistan, Mr Sayeed said, ''Peace process is moving forward and Gen Musharraf has been playing a vital role by ensuring continuation of ceasefire along the borders and by taking politically and publicly bold initiatives.'' Laying stress on the continuation of confidence building measures (CBM's) between the two countries, the PDP leader said, ''when former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee extended the hand of friendship towards Pakistan, President Musharraf responded positively and thereafter we have been witness to historic and infallible decisions which the two countries have taken in consultation with leadership of both sides of Jammu and Kashmir.'' The former J and K Chief Minister hoped elections in Pakistan would be held as scheduled to ensure democratic revival in the country.

''Democracy is incomparable to any other power structure which exists in the world, I hope elections are held as scheduled and democratic institutions function more vibrantly in Pakistan,'' he said.

Mr Sayeed, however, said imposition of emergency would not impede the speed at which peace process was moving forward.

UNI