Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf on Wednesday said the government was committed to holding of free, fair and transparent general election as it would further help strengthen democracy in the country.

Addressing the federal cabinet, the Prime Minister said the government was about to complete its five-year term which would be a major milestone.

He said the international community was appreciative of the measures taken by the present government for holding of transparent election.

The Prime Minister said he would start a series of public meetings across the country. He mentioned his last public address at Gujar Khan and mentioned about the unprecedented response which he said spoke of the successful policies of the government.

He said a strong democratic setup in the country would help bring stability to the country.

Prime Minister Ashraf said he would be attending the meeting of Asia Europe Meeting (ASEM) in Laos next week that would be attended by leaders from Europe and Asia.

He termed it a very important event that would have a bearing on Pakistan’s economic and commercial ties with other member States.

The Prime Minister said he was saddened to hear about the devastation caused by superstorm Sandy in the United States of America and expressed solidarity of the people and government of Pakistan with the people and government of the USA.

He said he had also directed the Pakistan embassy in Washington to reach out to the Pakistanis in USA and set up a hotline to facilitate them.

He also apprised the cabinet members about his recent visit to Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj, on the invitation of Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz.

He also mentioned his fruitful meetings with the Saudi leaders including the Crown Prince Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud. He said he invited the Crown Prince to visit Pakistan, which he accepted. APP