Islamabad, April 20 (IANS) Britain is ready to work with any government that emerges after the upcoming general elections in Pakistan, British High Commissioner Adam Thomson has said.
"This year is particularly important as the upcoming elections are a crucial milestone in Pakistan's democratic history... the first time in decades that there will have been a democratic transfer of power between one civilian government and another," the Daily Times quoted the British envoy as saying.
The elections are scheduled to be held May 11.
"As a fellow Commonwealth country and friend of Pakistan, we look forward to witnessing elections this year that are credible and acceptable to the Pakistani people and that will bring democratic continuity to this wonderful country," he said.
Thomson was speaking on the occasion of the 87th birthday celebrations of Queen Elizabeth II, which was celebrated in Islamabad Friday. Around 1,000 people attended the celebrations, including representatives of the caretaker government of Pakistan, political parties, the military, civil society, media and businesses.
The British high commissioner said that Britain does not support any particular party in Pakistan, rather it believes in the true democratic process.
More From This Section
"The queen's birthday is an occasion to reflect on the close ties between Britain and Pakistan," the envoy said.
"Pakistan only came into being shortly before her majesty became queen and the enduring partnership between Pakistan and Britain has taken shape during her reign," he said.