MISSION FROM THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION’S DIRECTORATE GENERAL FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS CALLED ON SECRETARY ELECTION COMMISSION
Kanwar Muhammad Dilshad
Secretary Election Commission of Pakistan
Islamabad, 10th February, 2009. A mission from the European Commission’s Directorate General for External Affairs, comprising Mr. David Tirr, Head of Unit for Pakistan, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Maldives, Mr. Heinio Marius, Deputy Head of Unit and Desk for Pakistan, Ms. Hanna Robert Consultant and Nazeer Mahar, Parliamentary Expert, European Commission is on visit to Pakistan from 5 to 11 February 2009.
2. The mission along-with Mr. Tomas Niklasson, Counsellor Head of Political affairs, Trade and Communication European Union Delegation of the European Commission to Pakistan called on Mr. Kanwar Muhammad Dilshad, the Secretary Election Commission on 10 February 2009 at Election Commission. The mission was given a comprehensive briefing by Mr. Dilshad, about the conduct of General Elections 2008 and ongoing process of the Electoral Reforms in Pakistan. Mr. Dilshad said that the Election Commission of Pakistan highly appreciates the valuable assistance and support provided by international community especially by UNDP, USAID and European Union for strengthening of democratic electoral processes in Pakistan for the noble cause of democracy. He said in particular, we are thankful to European Union for their gracious support for the conduct of General Elections 2008 in a free, fair and transparent manner. He praised the European Union Election Observation Mission report on the conduct of 2008 Elections that has been very useful towards ECP efforts for electoral reforms in Pakistan.
3. The mission appreciated the efforts of the Election Commission for the endeavors towards electoral reforms with a view to conduct the elections in line with the best international practices.
4. Apart from familiarization with a broad range of political, economic and social issues facing Pakistan, the mission will also take into consideration the Mid-Term Review of the European Commission Country Strategy Paper for Pakistan.