November 22, 2007	Thursday	Ziqa’ad 11, 1428

DERA GHAZI KHAN, Nov 21: The opposition should boycott the general elections as there is no chance of free and fair elections under the regime of Gen Pervez Musharraf, Pakistan Tehrik-i-Insaaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan said after his release from the central jail, on Wednesday.

Addressing a press conference at the residence of PML-N leader Saif Khosa, Mr Khan demanded that Gen Musharraf resign as president and army chief and the establishment of impartial interim government to hold the general elections, as it could only ensure free elections in the country.

The jail authorise released Mr Khan after his three sisters met him for three hours. After his unexpected release, Mr Khan arrived at the residence of Mr Khosa, where his sisters were present.

The PTI chief was shifted here from Kot Lakhpat Jail, Lahore, on Nov 16 and he has been on hunger strike since Nov 18.

He was looking weak but still full of courage. He said he was still on hunger strike and would end it after consulting his party members.

Mr Khan criticised Pakistan People’s Party Chairperson Benazir Bhutto and Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl Chief Fazlur Rehman for not adopting a clear stance over boycotting the general elections.

He urged both leaders to adopt a clear cut stance against Gen Musharraf.

He said lifting of emergency and giving up the army uniforms would not resolve the crises but Gen Musharraf should go home. He warned elections under Gen Musharraf would lead the country to anarchy.

Mr Khan said if the opposition had decided to contest the elections, he would contest from Mianwali and Lahore constituencies.