LONDON, Dec 15: Prime Minister Gordon Brown has urged President Pervez Musharraf to allow a level playing field to all political parties in the coming elections and ensure transparency of the poll process, “prevention of local government abuse” and a non-partisan Election Commission.

He also called upon him to release the remaining political prisoners and lift all restrictions on the media.

According to a press release issued, the prime minister spoke to President Musharraf on Saturday to welcome his decision to lift the state of emergency. “This is another significant step towards the return of full constitutional order.”

He also offered President Musharraf his condolences on the loss of life in the latest suicide attack.

“It is a reminder of the challenges that Pakistan is confronting. Britain will continue to work with Pakistan and the Commonwealth to ensure stability, security and democracy.”

The British prime minister made no mention of the continued house arrest of Chief Justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry and a number of his colleagues or their reinstatement.