A majority of Pakistanis yearn for a peaceful nation: US Congresswoman

US Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee has said that a majority of Pakistanis want to advance as a peaceful nation, adding, that democratic elections in Pakistan would send a powerful signal to the world about its stability and vitality.

Washington, Oct 29 : US Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee has said that a majority of Pakistanis want to advance as a peaceful nation, adding, that democratic elections in Pakistan would send a powerful signal to the world about its stability and vitality.

"The democratic elections will send a very strong message to the world that we have a Pakistan, which is vital for the region and Pakistan's stability will be a vital asset to the region. Pakistani people are brilliant and looking for a great future, they are looking to drive it as a democratic and peaceful nation," the Daily Times quoted Lee, as saying.

Condemning the suicide attack on former Pakistan Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, Lee supported US-Pakistan co-operation to contain extremism through an integrated approach, including socio-economic development.

Lee, who is a member of both the foreign affairs and homeland security committees, called for the international community's support to ensure peace and stability in the South Asian region and protection of Pakistani people and leaders.

Lee, who is serving her seventh term as a US Representatives, said, "I don't want the people of Pakistan to be frightened away from their democratic rights -- we need to provide jobs, we need to provide better education to boys and girls and healthcare to people."

"We need to create future opportunities, trade opportunities for the people --we need to find ways to build on democratic principles and values. All of this will lead to a more democratic Pakistan, a more vigorously vibrant Pakistan and an economically stable Pakistan," the US lawmaker who also represents the 18th Congressional District of Texas, centred in Houston, which is the energy capital of the world, said.

The congresswoman, who plans to visit Pakistan, acknowledged Islamabad's critical anti-terrorism efforts and the sacrifices its forces have rendered in fighting terrorists along the Afghan border, the daily reported.

ANI