GARHI KHUDA BAKSH:  President Asif Ali Zardari on Thursday vowed to install a transparent caretaker setup in consultation with all parties and the opposition, and to ensure holding of free and fair polls.

Addressing a huge gathering to mark the fifth anniversary of Benazir Bhutto’s assassination, the president said the government has done the necessary legislation for putting in place a caretaker setup.

“The setup will be put in place in consultation with the opposition and other political parties so that the general elections are held in a free, fair and impartial manner”, he said.

He said the sole objective of setting up an independent election commissioner was to ensure that no hidden agenda could be achieved.

Attired in a black shalwar-kameez and a Sindhi cap, President Zardari said his government was all set to complete its five year term.

He said certain internal and external forces did not wish democracy to succeed, but expressed his firm resolve that just like the government has completed five years of democracy, it will continue to fight against such undemocratic forces.

“With the support of the people we will fight all forces that are against democracy,” the President said.

He said the Egyptian model of governance cannot be pursued in Pakistan. “If someone thinks that it can be followed, than they are wrong, as it will not work here”, he noted.

He, however, urged all proponents of the idea to come forward and be a part of the electoral process.

He expressed the hope that the media that was given independence will also play its due role and ensure that the freedom acquired was not taken back at any cost.