ISLAMABAD, Nov 29: Observing that there was no genuine democracy in Pakistan, British Minister of State for South Asia Dr Kim Howells said here on Tuesday the United Kingdom would do all it could to encourage President General Pervez Musharraf to put the country on a democratic course.

“We will not ignore the reality of the situation in Pakistan just because General Musharraf is cooperating in the fight against terror,” he said at a press conference here.

Endorsing the Commonwealth statement that General Musharraf should take off his military uniform before the general elections in 2007, he said democracy was about civilians contesting democratic elections. “I do not know what the Constitution of Pakistan and the relevant election rules say, but it is unusual for generals to stand in elections,” he remarked.

He noted that in true democracy, a party, its leaders and workers sought support of the people and whosoever secured majority vote formed the government.

He, however, referred to the previous general elections and local body polls and said there was great democratic tradition in Pakistan. He said the next step should be to complete it at all levels.

He was of the view that Pakistan could attract investments and promote business relations with other countries by ensuring consistency and sustainability of policies. “For that you need democracy,” he remarked.

He praised the recent thaw in Pak-India relations and said the United Kingdom was worried about relations between the two South Asian nations a few years back when their armies stood eyeball to eyeball on the border. He said it was encouraging that General Musharraf was taking the peace process forward.

Dr Howells also referred to the cooperation between the two countries in the aftermath of the earthquake in South Asia and said the needs of humanity had seen the Line of Control (LoC) beginning to melt.

He was of the view that South Asia had the potential to emerge as a great economic powerhouse. Pakistan and India could become stronger if they cooperated with each other in all fields, he added.

Answering a question, he said Pakistan had cooperated intensely in the fight against terrorism and was extremely active on the Afghan border. “Musharraf does not want a terrorist haven at his doorstep.”

He said Pakistan had been tough with heroin smugglers and drug convoys, but observed that it was a huge burden on the police patrolling the long border with Afghanistan. He added that joint intelligence and military operations at high-level targets could make things better. “Pakistan is keen to cooperate with us.”

He said it would take a long time to curb narcotics trade — a task that might take 10 to 15 years. “We are however determined to carry it through.”

He said he had visited a religious seminary at Satra Meel, near Bhara Kahu, and was encouraged to see that a wide range of subjects were being taught there by highly responsible staff. He said the government of Pakistan was worried about religious seminaries teaching only religion.

He pointed out that Muslim countries in general were not producing scientists, engineers and doctors. The real sign of success of the economy is in scientific breakthroughs and innovations.