ISLAMABAD, May 2: President Gen Pervez Musharraf on Thursday reaffirmed his promises, ranging from revival of democracy to improving the country’s economy and restoring the law and order, a day after securing a fresh term of five years as president.

In his televised address to the nation, the president thanked the people for reposing trust in him which, he said, had added immensely to his responsibilities towards the masses.

The president, who has already completed about 30 months in office since assuming power in a military coup in October, 1999, vowed to pursue his reforms agenda and the anti-corruption campaign with a renewed vigour.

Attired in a black Sherwani, the president in a very firm tone said that all the development schemes initiated by his government would be completed without any discrimination.

In his brief speech, delivered apparently to counter criticism against the referendum, he said he was fully aware of the views being expressed by the educated circles.

He said he fully respected their point of view and added that his decision of holding referendum would have far-reaching effects. Its benefits would emerge with the passage of time, he added.

He reiterated his resolve that poverty alleviation and fight against backwardness would stay on top of his reforms agenda.

President Musharraf also renewed his pledge of holding general elections in October this year, saying the government would draw on the experience gained in the referendum for ensuring smooth and transparent polls.

He said he would strive for the establishment of genuine democracy the foundation of which, he maintained, had already been laid through the creation of district governments.

The president called upon the political parties to rethink their policies and actions as the nation had been facing complex national and regional issues.

President Musharraf said the referendum had amply demonstrated that people of Pakistan were mature enough to distinguish between personal or party interests on the one hand, and national interests, on the other.

He said he was aware of the fact that people had attached more expectations with his government. The strength given to him through referendum, he added, would be fully utilized to live up to their expectations.

The silent majority had expressed its opinion for the continuity of the local government system, establishment of genuine democracy, elimination of sectarianism and extremism from the society, he claimed. He said all sections of the society, including the young and the elderly, had come to the polling stations to cast their vote.

He said those who polled in the referendum also included people who had never exercised their right of franchise before.

Gen Musharraf said apart from the people’s conviction that the government was honest and sincere, the other factor behind the heavy turnout was increased number of polling stations.

He assured that similar arrangements would be made for the October elections to help the candidates save on transport cost.

The president lauded the Election Commission for conducting fair and transparent referendum. He also praised police for overseeing the security arrangements for the first time without the help of the army and the referendum passed off without any untoward incident.

He said the army was deliberately kept away so that no accusing fingers could be raised.

In his concluding remarks, he appealed to the nation to join hands with the government to help Pakistan achieve a place in the world community befitting a nuclear power of 140 million people.