ISLAMABAD, Feb 19: Demanding President Pervez Musharraf’s resignation, Pakistan Tehrik-i-Insaaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan on Tuesday said the elections were a “referendum” against the president.

“The results are a clear indication that the people of Pakistan have rejected the policies of Musharraf and his allies. Musharraf should respect the mandate of the people and immediately resign,” Mr Khan was quoted in a statement as saying.

The PTI chief congratulated the democratic forces who had been part of the opposition’s struggle for an independent judiciary, financially and administratively autonomous election commission, and free media.

He added that the mandate given to the PML-N was clear because of its stance on the reinstatement of deposed judges.

The PTI chief said he expected all other democratic parties elected to the parliament to support the restoration of judiciary.

Mr Khan said the Pakistan Tehrik-i-Insaaf would continue its struggle for the rule of law, and that the institutions of an independent judiciary, autonomous election commission and free media were established.