Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: Interim Prime Minister Justice (r) Nasirul Mulk Thursday reviewed the measures taken by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to hold free, fair and transparent general elections on July 25.

During his visit to the ECP, the prime minister met Chief Election Commissioner Justice (r) Sardar Raza Khan and received a detailed briefing on preparations for the upcoming general elections. He expressed satisfaction over the arrangements and assured of all-out support by the caretaker setup in holding of free, fair and impartial elections.

The chief election commissioner said role of all stakeholders in holding of a transparent election was critical. He expressed confidence that the ECP will fulfill its obligations to the nation in a befitting manner.

Separately, Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Pakistan Ali Fikrat Oglu Alizada called on the prime minister and conveyed the greetings of the Azeri leadership.

Talking to the ambassador, Prime Minister Mulk said Pakistan and Azerbaijan should make efforts to attain the optimum level of economic cooperation in fields of trade, investment, energy and defence. The prime minister noted that Pakistan and Azerbaijan traditionally enjoyed close and cordial relations marked by trust and understanding.He said the bilateral collaboration in different sectors had been growing steadily. He also appreciated the visit of President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev to participate in the 13th ECO Summit in March last year.

The prime minister appreciated Azerbaijan’s continued support on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute and appreciated its invaluable role in the OIC Contact Group on Jammu and Kashmir. He reiterated Pakistan’s principled position on the Nagorno-Karabakh issue.

The prime minister commended the Azerbaijan’s initiative of hosting the first trilateral meeting between foreign ministers of Turkey, Pakistan and Azerbaijan and conveyed that Pakistan is willing to host the second trilateral meeting.

The prime minister also conveyed good wishes for the president of Azerbaijan.

The ambassador emphasized the importance that Azerbaijan attached to its relations with Pakistan.He said Azerbaijan wanted to boost economic relations with Pakistan and the signing of Inter-Government Agreement on Energy Cooperation will pave the way for enhancing cooperation in multiple areas between the two countries. He appreciated Pakistan’s support for Azerbaijan’s position on Nagorno-Karabakh.

Published in Daily Times, June 22^nd 2018.