Pak polls would be held as scheduled,says Kayani amid mounting Taliban attacks

He criticised those who contend that the campaign against terrorism is not Pakistan8217;s war and called for greater political consensus and a 8216;clear policy8217; to tackle extremism and terrorism.

8220;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,8221; 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 People8217;s Party and Muttahida Qaumi Movement.

The attacks,which killed some 40 people,heightened concerns about security for the polls.

Kayani said awareness and participation of the people,and not merely retribution,could 8216;truly end this game of hide and seek between democracy and dictatorship.8221;

If people rise above 8216;ethnic,linguistic and sectarian biases8217; to vote only on the basis of honesty,sincerity,merit and competence,there will be 8220;no reason to fear dictatorship or to grudge the inadequacies of our present democratic system8221;,he added.

The army,he said,is committed to 8220;wholeheartedly assist and support in the conduct of free,fair and peaceful elections; to the best of our capabilities and remaining within the confines of the Constitution.8221;

This support is only aimed at 8220;strengthening democracy and rule of law8221;,he said.

The upcoming polls are due to mark the first democratic transition of power after the PPP-led civilian government has served a full five-year term in a country that has been ruled by generals for half its life.