Musharraf says elections will be ‘free, fair and transparent’

President Pervez Musharraf said Thursday that Pakistan would hold “free, fair and transparent” elections next month. Talking to newsmen in Davos on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos in Switzerland, Musharraf said general elections will be held in Pakistan on February 18 despite violent incidents in the country. He said his government has given voice to more people. “We empowered the women of Pakistan,” he said. Musharraf said his government also planned to sustain strong economic growth and “carry on the fight against terrorism and extremism.” He said a militant in South Waziristan tribal region is responsible for all suicide attacks in Pakistan. Talking on relations with India, Musharraf said Pakistan intends to resolve all contentious issues with India by dialogue. Afghan President Hamid Karzai talking to newsmen said extremism and suicide attacks are not a new phenomenon, they have deep roots.