PM urges Pakistan to hold elections

Gordon Brown has called upon Pakistan to hold "credible elections" and move towards a democratic future following the recent upheaval in the country.

Speaking at a joint press conference with Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf, the PM called Pakistan a "key ally in combatting terrorism'' with which Britain shared a "long-standing friendship and shared history''. Mr Musharraf should press ahead with a general election next month, and "ensure the democratic process remains on track", he said.

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The PM said:

"I urged President Musharraf to work with all political parties in Pakistan for a peaceful, democratic future for the country and I called on him to continue to promote reconciliation - as I know he wants to do - between moderate forces to unite against the growing threat of violent extremism. For Pakistan, credible elections on 18 Feburary are essential. "

The Prime Minister also acknowledged Pakistan's role in tackling extremist and terrorist groups throughout the region. A "stable" Pakistan was "essential for security" in South Asia, he said.

Mr Musharraf said he had informed Mr Brown that "free, fair and transparent elections" would go ahead in Pakistan as planned. He also said that Pakistan had a "comprehensive strategy" for dealing with terrorism in the country.

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto was assassinated at an election rally in Rawalpindi on 27 December forcing the postponement of January's elections.

• Read the full transcript
• Democracy "best memorial to Bhutto"
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