ISLAMABAD, JAN 29, SPA -- President Pervez Musharraf returned to Pakistan Tuesday at the conclusion of his nine-day four-nation visit to European countries that took him to Belgium, France, Switzerland and United Kingdom, officials said. The President was received at Pakistan Air Force Base Chaklala by caretaker Prime Minister Muhammadmian Soomro, National Assembly Speaker Chaudhry Amir Hussain, caretaker Minister for Information Nisar Memon and Chief of the Army Staff Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kiyani besides other senior civil and military officers. Musharraf termed his visit helpful in consolidating political and economic ties at bilateral and regional levels. He expressed satisfaction over his meeting with foreign leadership, talks with business executives and members of Pakistani community. Officials said the visit took place at crucial times when Pakistan faced challenges in fighting against terrorism and going through a process of strengthening institutions. Musharraf assured the world community that the country was moving on the right track, stemming out militancy in some tribal areas and maintaining economic sustainability besides commitment to hold free, fair and transparent elections in peaceful atmosphere on Feb 18. Regarding his participation in the World Economic Forum at Davos, Musharraf said he availed the opportunities with top multinational companies for bringing more investment in Pakistan. He said he assured the leaders of the friendly countries, media and business representatives that the efforts to destabilize the country would never succeed as Pakistan s armed forces and security agencies were strong enough to protect their homeland. Musharraf said all institutions of Pakistan were functioning smoothly and there would be no problem in completing the process of democratic transition on the scheduled date. He expressed the confidence that a moderate and stable government would come into power on February 18, and certainly executive powers would be handed over to majority party. He said that absolutely there would be no difficulty for him to work with any government in total harmony, keeping high Pakistan s larger interest.--SPA www.spa.gov.sa/522074