Miliband lauds restoration of judiciary in Pakistan

LONDON: Welcoming Pakistan Government's decision to reinstate Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry, Britain on Monday hoped that all political parties would now come together to consolidate democracy and impartial justice in the country.

"I hope that all parties will now quickly come together around a common agenda to consolidate the political steps made and to agree measures that will strengthen democracy and impartial justice in Pakistan," British Foreign Secretary David Miliband said.
He said, "The steps, taken to defuse the political crisis in Pakistan, show real political leadership by all concerned".

"President Asif Ali Zardari's decision to reinstate chief justice Chaudhry, following his announcements in respect of the recent Supreme Court judgment and the Charter of Democracy, and former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's subsequent decision to call off the Long March demonstrate that both men are willing to put the interests of Pakistan first."

Miliband said, "There is now a real opportunity for the country to move forward and tackle the pressing challenges it faces particularly the mortal threat posed by violent extremists".
"I look forward to maintaining my close contacts with Pakistan's leaders and to continuing to work with them as they confront these challenges," he said.

"There is no room for political divisiveness at this time, and there will be no understanding of a failure to rally the country together," he added.