ISLAMABAD, Nov 10: President and Chief of the Army Staff Gen Pervez Musharraf on Saturday took into confidence the top military commanders about the proclamation of emergency, saying it was a very difficult decision taken in the best interest of the country.

The decision would ensure effective governance, stable political transition and maintain impetus in efforts to root out extremism and terrorism, Gen Musharraf said at a conference of the corps commanders at the General Headquarters.

He briefed the meeting on the situation leading to the emergency and the developments since the proclamation.

The Vice Chief of Army Staff, Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, corps commanders, principal staff officers and other senior military officials attended the conference.

The president said that all necessary steps would be taken to hold free and fair elections “as early as possible”. On Thursday, he told the National Security Council that the elections would be held by Feb 15.

Sources said that Gen Musharraf also took the commanders into confidence about the political and security situation across the country.

Defending the proclamation of emergency, the president said that the judicial activism by some members of the superior judiciary had rendered the whole government machinery ineffective.

According to the sources, he said that the judiciary was giving unnecessary relief to terrorists and anti-social elements. He appreciated the support and input provided to him by the participants in this regard.

The president said that a stable security environment was essential for economic progress and it would be ensured that no effort was spared to eradicate extremism and militancy.

The senior military commanders were given a comprehensive briefing on the security environment in and around the country, with focus on Swat and tribal areas.