Brown: Pakistan promises to hold credible elections

BRITISH Prime Minister Gordon Brown insisted last night he been assured by Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf that his country could hold “credible” elections next month.

As chanting demonstrators gathered outside Downing Street to protest against Gen Musharraf’s visit to No 10, the prime minister said he had urged him “to work with all political parties in Pakistan for a peaceful, democratic future for the country”.

The protestors were led by cricket star-turned opposition politician Imran Khan and his ex-wife Jemima, reunited in their opposition to Gen Musharraf.

Speaking after the talks, Mr Brown hailed Pakistan as a “key ally in combating terrorism”.

And he told a press conference: “A stable Pakistan is essential for security in the south Asian region.”

Gen Musharraf’s visit to London follows his six-week suspension of Pakistan’s constitution at the end of last year.

He said yesterday: “I informed the prime minister of our strong desire to go forward with elections and to ensure that the elections will be free, fair and transparent.”

Postponed parliamentary elections are due to take place on February 18.

At a separate press conference, Mr Khan rejected suggestions that Gen Musharraf should be supported by the West as a bulwark against extremism and terrorism in Pakistan, as the problems had worsened under his regime.

“This assumption that Gen Musharraf is the only person to fight terrorism is deeply flawed,” he said.