Islamabad: In the face of mounting attacks by the Taliban on politicians and election meetings, army chief Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani on Tuesday said there should be no doubt that Pakistan`s polls would be held as scheduled as they could usher in "true democratic values".
Addressing an event to mark the Youm-e-Shahada (Day of Martyrs), 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.
PTI
