§ Mr. Andrew TurnerTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether British Government representatives observed the recent Pakistani elections(a) as part of the EU observer team and (b) independently; and whether his policy is on the EU team's criticism of the Pakistani Government's offering financial aid to those political parties it favours. [89586]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienWe welcomed the holding of multi-party elections in Pakistan. Although there were no formal UK observers, four qualified UK professionals were part of the EU Elections Observation Mission. In addition, we funded 50 per cent. of the costs of the Commonwealth Election Observation Mission which itself had a qualified UK professional as its security advisor. Our high commission in Islamabad also closely monitored developments. We have studied the report of the EU observers with care. The report underlines the need for a concerted effort by the new Government, all political parties and civil society to ensure the establishment of a sustainable form of democratic, civilian rule in Pakistan. We will remain engaged with the Pakistani authorities on this and other key issues.