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Diplomats meet Zardari, Sharif

Islamabad: Hectic meetings were held between Western diplomats and the leadership of the victorious Pakistan People’s Party and Pakistan Muslim League (N) on Friday, underlining the international stakes in the shape and composition of Pakistan’s next government.

A U.S. Congressional delegation called on PPP co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari in the morning. According to a U.S. Embassy press release, Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison and Representative Michael C. Burgess, both Republicans from Texas, discussed matters relating to “the transition to democracy, rule of law, counter-terrorism, and Pakistan-U.S. development strategy” in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas.

Separately, American Ambassador Anne Patterson held a meeting with Awami National Party leader Asfandyar Wali Khan. The ANP has emerged the single largest party in the North West Frontier Province, which is on the frontline of the U.S.-led “war against terror” in Afghanistan. The British and the French envoys met Mr. Sharif.

The U.S. delegation also met General Musharraf. A statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said they congratulated him on holding free and fair elections, and appreciated his role in the fight against terrorism.

The Commonwealth, which suspended Pakistan after the imposition of Emergency, congratulated the Election Commission for holding peaceful and fair elections.

Secretary-General Don McKinnon said the 53-member grouping was “keen to engage with the new government once it is formed.”

He described Pakistan as important to the Commonwealth, which looked forward to it “playing its full role in the association once democracy is fully restored.”

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