LONDON, Nov 5: Britain has urged President General Pervez Musharraf to confirm that he will step down as army chief by Nov 15 and hold elections in January 2008. A spokesperson for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office said in a statement on Monday that Britain recognised the threat to peace and stability but pointed out that it was essential that Pakistan used normal process for the purpose of restoring peace and stability.

Britain has also urged Gen Musharraf to release all political prisoners, including members of judiciary “as soon as possible”.

“We are still considering the implications for our development and other programmes in Pakistan. We are seriously concerned and have asked General Musharraf to restore constitutional order as soon as possible,” said the statement.

“We are urging Musharraf to take urgent steps towards reconciliation with political oppositeion.”

“We are urging President Musharraf to confirm that he will step down as army chief by Nov 15.”