Karachi: President Asif Ali Zardari has felicitated Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf, the coalition parties in the government, all the democratic opposition political parties and the democratic elements in civil society and media for the role played by them in ensuring a peaceful and successful resolution of recent demonstration in Islamabad.

A handout here Friday said, the President said that the peaceful resolution of the issue without use of force was a triumph of democracy and reconciliation. It is a vindication of the policy of reconciliation of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto that has been vigorously pursued by the present democratic government. “Democracy and reconciliation have won. The unity shown by democratic political forces in safeguarding democracy is most laudable that needs to be preserved and strengthened”.

He said that elections will be held on time and will not be delayed even for a day and in accordance with the dictates of the Constitution. Those seeking to postpone elections have been frustrated. No one will be allowed to derail the election process on any pretext, he said.

The President complimented the interior ministry and the law enforcers under it for deftly handling the situation in maintaining law and order and keeping the demonstrators safe from security threats. They demonstrated commendable restraint despite provocation in allowing the demonstration to run out of steam, Spokesperson Senator Farhatullah Babar quoted the President as saying.

The President also congratulated all those involved in negotiations for their skill and perseverance in successfully concluding negotiations.