Pakistan Views

President Pervez Musharraf has pledged that Pakistan’s elections next month will be free and fair, and appealed to western nations to be more patient on human rights.

Speaking to the European Union legislators in Brussels, President Musharraf said that Pakistan suffers from misperceptions and distortions in the West, as he tried to assure lawmakers of his commitment to democracy and human rights. But he also urged patience.

“You have taken centuries in reaching wherever you have come. Allow us time for going for the values that you have established for yourself,” said Pervez Musharraf. ‘We are on the right course but our environment and your environment are very, very different.”

Mr. Musharraf spoke at the start of a European tour partly aimed at trying to improve his image in Europe and at convincing allies here he is committed to the fight against terrorism as Pakistan has been playing key role in war in terror.

European leaders have called for free and fair parliamentary elections, scheduled for February 18. They also asked for a full investigation into the assassination last month of opposition leader Benazir Bhutto.

Mr. Musharraf acknowledged Pakistan faced a turbulent year in 2007 in its fight against extremism. But he rejected criticism that his government failed to adequately protect Ms. Bhutto. He also dismissed chances of extremists acquiring any part of Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal.