Caretakers tasked with continuity, polls
By Our Special Correspondent

ISLAMABAD—President General Pervez Musharraf has directed caretaker setup to take steps for the elimination of terrorism, poverty, inflation, economic and social development, besides peace in the country, on emergent basis.
Talking to newly caretaker Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Soomro here at Awan-e-Saddar on Friday, the President urged the need of unity among the Opposition and Government to tackle the challenges being faced by the nation, sources told Online.
The President congratulated caretaker Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Soomro over taking the charge of his office. He hoped that the caretaker Prime Minister would run the setup by taking everyone into confidence.
President General Pervez further hoped that Mian Muhammad Soomro would utilize his capabilities and experience to ensure holding of free, fair and transparent general elections due in January. He asked the caretaker Prime Minister to take everyone including Opposition alongwith him to run the setup, as he (Soomro) did as Chairman Senate.
Speaking on the occasion, the caretaker Prime Minister thanked the President over his confidence on him by saying that he will give priority to national interest. He said he would take advice from President on vital national and political issues. The Policies of previous Government will be continued and no hindrance will be tolerated in the completion of ongoing projects, Soomro pointed out.
President General Pervez Musharraf has urged new caretaker set-up to ensure continuity of reforms and Policies started by previous Government keeping in view the Goals and objectives of Pakistan.
In the past there was only a facade of democracy but now we have true democracy, the President said this while addressing the ceremony after administrating oath from new caretaker Government here at Awan-e-Saddar on Friday.
The caretaker setup should complete the projects started by ex-ministers for the betterment of citizens and development of the country, the President said, adding that, decision should be taken keeping in view the national interest. Being in uniform, President General Pervez Musharraf said, he has introduced real and practical democracy in the country.