November 10, 2007	Saturday	Shawwal 28, 1428

LAHORE, Nov 9: US Consul General Bryan Hunt on Friday said his government expected President Musharraf to hang up his uniform by Nov 15, allow credible elections as scheduled and release political and human rights activists.

Mr Hunt was talking to reporters outside the residence of Human Rights Commission of Pakistan chairperson Asma Jehangir after a meeting with her.

“Our message is clear. The US has said it repeatedly that Pakistan should return to democratic pathway. We expect Gen Musharraf to live up to his commitment to remove his uniform by Nov 15,” he said.

Ms Jehangir is being detained at her residence since the imposition of emergency on Nov 3.

Mr Hunt called on her after permission by the provincial home department. He reiterated that Pakistan should have an independent media, opposition political parties should be allowed to work and human rights activists should not be detained.

“I hope people of Pakistan will be able to make their choice about their future leadership (through elections),” he said.

When asked what he discussed with Ms Jehangir, he said he had conveyed to her that the US government desired to see restoration of democracy in Pakistan.

He also shared with her his government’s concern over the muzzling of media and the arrest of political and human rights activists.Mr Hunt said free and independent media was necessary for providing news to people so as to enable them form their opinion for the next elections. There was no other way “but to allow it freedom”, he said.