Pak elections would be held as scheduled: Kayani

Islamabad: Pakistan will go to polls as scheduled as it is a golden opportunity to usher in an era of true democratic values in the country, army chief General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani has said amid mounting attacks by the Taliban to derail the historic General Elections.

Addressing an event to mark the Youm-e-Shahada (Day of Martyrs) on Tuesday, Kayani reiterated the army's commitment to holding of free and fair elections.

He criticised those who contend that the campaign against terrorism is not Pakistan's war and called for greater political consensus and a "clear policy" to tackle extremism and terrorism.

"Allah willing, General Elections would be held in the country on May 11. There should be no doubt about this. This indeed is a golden opportunity which can usher in an era of true democratic values in the country," Kayani said in his speech in Urdu to a gathering that included top military commanders.

Over the past few days, the banned Pakistani Taliban have carried out a string of bomb attacks in Sindh and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa provinces that targeted liberal parties like the Awami National Party, Pakistan People's Party and Muttahida Qaumi Movement.

The attacks, which killed some 40 people, heightened concerns about security for the polls. Kayani said awareness and participation of the people, and not merely retribution, could "truly end this game of hide and seek between democracy and dictatorship".

If people rise above "ethnic, linguistic and sectarian biases" to vote only on the basis of honesty, sincerity, merit and competence, there will be "no reason to fear dictatorship or to grudge the inadequacies of our present democratic system", he added.

The army, he said, is committed to "wholeheartedly assist and support in the conduct of free, fair and peaceful elections; to the best of our capabilities and remaining within the confines of the Constitution". This support is only aimed at "strengthening democracy and rule of law", he said.

The upcoming polls are due to mark the first democratic transition of power after the PPP-led civilian government has served a full five-year term in a country that has been ruled by generals for half its life.