Assemblies will complete term, no threat to elections: Asif

KARACHI/LONDON: Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif asserted early Thursday that representative assemblies will complete their term and there is no such problem, which may delay elections in the country.

Asif's assertion followed National Assembly (NA) Speaker Ayaz Sadiq's statement in which he had expressed fears that assemblies might not be able to complete their tenure. Sadiq had said that uncertainty had been looming and fuelled by instances such as the delimitation bill not being passed.

"The speaker expressed concern over circumstances in the country," the minister said, while speaking to newsmen upon reaching London.

"Legislation has its own pressures, however, the government and assemblies will complete their term."

He said that situation in Pakistan is better and soon [the government] will overcome all problems.

Asif said the perception of democracy weakening in the country is wrong and there is no threat to the next elections. "The government has achieved 70-80 per cent of its targets. The promises Nawaz Sharif made are being fulfilled."

He further said that forging alliances and opposing them is the right of opposition parties, adding, "We know how to defend ourselves."

The minister said the purpose of his visit is to hold meetings with investors in UK.

Asif confirmed that he would also meet former premier Nawaz Sharif, however, added, "Rumours about a major, very important meeting are not true."

Commenting on religious extremism in Pakistan, he said that it grew in the 1980s due to the Afghan war, but soon it will turn into religious harmony.