Pakistan's general elections in 2007 : Musharraf

Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf Friday said no one should visualize mid-term general elections in his country and the general elections would be held in 2007, according to the Associated Press of Pakistan.

Addressing the elected legislators of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League Friday in the southern port city of Karachi, Musharraf said the elected parliament of the country would surely complete their tenure and there should be no ambiguity as the general elections would be held in October, 2007.

"There should be no doubt in any body's mind as regard the general elections. The elected Senate, National Assembly and the provincial assemblies would complete their full tenure," Musharrafemphasized.

He categorically rejected speculations of mid-term general elections in the next year, saying the year 2005 is not a year forthe general elections.

Referring to the opposition leaders, Musharraf said Nawaz Sharif, former prime minister and leader of the opposition Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) would not be allowed to come back to Pakistan from the exile in Saudi Arabia.

However, Benazir Bhutto, former prime minister and chairperson of the opposition Pakistan Peoples' Party may come back to Pakistan from the exile, he said.

Musharraf vowed that extremism in Pakistan would not be tolerated at any cost. He said that Pakistan is a country of moderate people including Muslims and other schedule casts.

"We don't need extremist Maullahs neither Islam needs them," said Musharraf, adding no one is allowed to impose self-design Islamic values on others.

Source: Xinhua