JEDDAH, 24 December 2007 — Pakistan’s caretaker Prime Minister Mohammadmian Soomro said the government would ensure that the forthcoming election scheduled for Jan. 8 is fair, free and transparent.
Speaking at a Pakistani community function here late Saturday, Soomro said, “Every Pakistani voter should exercise his right of franchise as it is a national duty.”
He also urged people to choose their candidates after examining their past performance. “A sincere leadership can govern the country in a better way,” he added.
Regarding the construction of a new consulate building in Jeddah, the caretaker prime minister said the issue was being addressed and construction work would begin soon.
Expatriate Pakistanis are very important for the government because they are the ambassadors of the country, he said.
“The economy gets stronger because of the remittances you send,” the premier said while expressing his gratitude to the community.
Soomro, who was in the Kingdom for Haj, received a warm welcome on his arrival at the English section of the Pakistan International School, the venue of the function. He thanked the Saudi government especially the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah for the hospitality extended to his delegation during Haj.
He noted that the successful Haj operation this year reflects the Saudi leadership’s keen interest and commitment to provide excellent facilities to the guests of Allah.
Earlier in his welcome speech, Consul General Zaigham Uddin Azam highlighted the services the consulate general is providing to the community. “The consulate is not only providing services to its nationals but also playing a role in developing relations between Pakistan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by organizing trade and cultural exhibitions time and again,” said the consul general.
About the new consulate building, he said former Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz had laid its foundation a year ago, “But we are still waiting for a visit by an inter-ministerial committee that would approve its construction.
“All necessary work has been done according to rules and we are waiting for an approval from the prime minister to begin the construction of the new building after a final recommendation from an inter-ministerial committee,” the consul general said. Rizwan Saeed, deputy head of mission, conducted the function.
