Maryland: March 29th, 2008: The Pakistani American Public Affairs Committee congratulates the people of Pakistan on electing the new Prime Minister of Pakistan, Yousaf Raza Gilani. The results of the elections and vote of confidence help begin the steps towards the development of a strong democratic society in Pakistan.

PAKPAC welcomes Prime Minister Gilani's guiding principles that he stated in his policy statements. His positions about having a comprehensive approach towards the extremism and making sure that remains a major priority for the region is critically needed. His first actions to restore the complete freedom of press and releasing the judges are appreciated by the Pakistani American community. We hope that that restoration of judiciary would also be priority for his government. His views of identifying solution of the Kashmir by bilateral and trilateral talks are much needed as well.

PAKPAC hopes that the Mr. Gilani and the parliament would work together on the above mentioned issues but also focus on appropriate education with curriculum reforms, law enforcement agency reforms and economic independence strategies. There is also a critical need to have governance training, energy planning and strengthening of checks and balances in the governance.  

PAKPAC asks the Pakistani American community to join in and help the people of Pakistan by investing in the education sector, and investments to increase jobs and opportunities for people in the region