Pakistan is a responsible regional player and is pursuing a foreign and security policy that will lead to peace and development in the region, Islamabad's ambassador to the United States said delivering lecture at the University of Virginia. He, however, stressed that Pakistan had some legitimate and genuine security concerns which must be addressed by the global and regional community. The lecture "The Changing Direction of Pakistan" was attended by over 400 students and faculty members. Haqqani informed the gathering that Pakistan is passing through a process of transformation in which it is moving from authoritarianism towards democracy, from militancy to tolerance and harmony, and from conflict to entrepreneurship. The envoy also spoke of Pakistan's key geographic location at the heart of some of the most important Asian regions. "Pakistan's strategic location is a critically important asset and building on that Pakistan is set to become a regional hub for growth and development," he added. The ambassador maintained that through the power of democracy, Pakistan will successfully defeat militancy and terrorism and move forward on the path of sustainable development of its people. In answer to a question Ambassador Haqqani said that Pakistan welcomes holding of election in Afghanistan and would work with any government that is elected by the Afghan people.