Mir Hazar Khan Khoso, the caretaker prime minister of Pakistan, said on Sunday that holding free and fair elections will be his first priority, local media reported.

Khoso, a former judge in Pakistan's Supreme Court, was named as the interim prime minister to supervise the May 11 parliamentary elections.

Shortly after his appointment, he said his efforts will be focused on making sure the elections are highly transparent.

When asked what would be his message to the opposition parties, Khoso said impartiality is part and parcel of the democratic process and that he will treat all parties equally.

He said he will meet with all political parties and that the elections will be held on time.

Regarding law and order during the elections, he said he will talk to the provinces and ensure that elections are held in a peaceful environment.

Xinhua

(China Daily 03/25/2013 page12)