Pakistan describes European parliament report regrettable

Islamabad, Nov 20 (UNI) Pakistan has described as ''regrettable'' a report by the European parliament about post-emergency situation in the country.

''We have noted the contents of the European Parliament's Resolution on the situation in Pakistan, which is regrettable because it ignores the ground realities,'' foreign ministry spokesman Muhammad Sadiq said here.

He said the resolution had failed to take into account the extraordinary situation that necessitated emergency for maintaining political stability and preserving the on-going political process in the country.

The emergency was imposed to avert an institutional breakdown and internal crisis that had paralysed the government and had the potential to cause incalculable harm to the country, he added.

The continuation of that situation would have constricted the ability of the government to counter militancy and terrorism that poses a grave threat to Pakistan and the world, he further said.

''The Government of Pakistan is progressing towards full democratic rule,'' he said, adding the National Assembly has completed its full tenure for the first time in its history.

A new care-taker Government has been instituted, which includes eminent and capable personalities. The Election Commission has announced that elections will be held on January 8, 2008 and Gen Musharraf will doff his uniform by the end of this month.

''The European Parliament must take cognizance of the sensitive situation prevailing in Pakistan and should not aggravate the ground situation by unrealistic and intrusive demands,'' Mr Sadiq emphasised.

UNI