Pak needs “accountable, civilian-led democracy” for stability: UN chief

BRUSSELS - United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has said that Pakistan needs an “accountable, civilian-led democracy” for the stability of the country and the region.

In a message to the Friends of Democratic Pakistan (FoDP) Ministerial Meeting in Brussels, Ban reaffirmed UN support for the economic revival of the country following the recent devastating floods in the country that affected 20 million people.

“I continue to urge the international community to support Pakistan’s efforts to implement the recommendations of the Post Crisis Needs Assessment exercise,” the Nation quoted a message by Ban, as saying.

“The United Nations will also stand with Pakistan in facing the challenge of violent extremism and in furthering the democratic transformation of the country. Accountable, civilian-led democracy is critical for the stability of Pakistan, the region and the wider world,” he added.

The message was read out at the Brussels meeting by UN Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs Lynn Pascoe.

FoDP is a group aimed at extending support to the Pakistan government in its efforts to consolidate democracy, and support social and economic development in the country.

The third ministerial meeting was hosted by European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton and co-chaired by Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi.

Foreign Ministers and senior representatives of 20 countries and four multilateral institutions also attended the meeting. (ANI)