Pakistan (Hansard, 10 January 2002)

§ Mr. Cox
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with President Musharraf on the situation in Afghanistan; and if he will make a statement. [23714]

§ Mr. Bradshaw
During his visit to Pakistan on 22–23 November, the Secretary of State discussed the situation in Afghanistan with President Musharraf. The Secretary of State expressed our continuing appreciation for President Musharraf s courageous decision to support the fight against terrorism and the practical assistance that Pakistan has provided. The Secretary of State also discussed the situation in Pakistan and sought President Musharraf s advice on how best to achieve our shared objective of a broad-based multi-ethnic government in Afghanistan.

§ David Cairns
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what encouragement he has given to President Musharraf to return Pakistan to democracy during 2002. [25431]

§ Mr. Bradshaw
Both my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister and my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary encouraged President Musharraf to return Pakistan to democracy during their recent visits to Pakistan. We welcome President Musharraf s public reiteration of his commitment to stick to his roadmap to democracy and hold national and provincial elections by October 2002.