Islamabad, Pakistan: November 11, 2007-  IR Summary -President Musharraf, while addressing the Media, announced that the elections would be held on 9 January 2008.

Musharraf said that he imposed emergency since the people at responsible positions did not appreciate the circumstances moving against the country. “I imposed emergency to protect democracy.” He said,?”Had I not imposed emergency, the country would have been paralyzed.”

On the other hand, if the words of U.S. President George Bush are taken serious, he said yesterday during a news conference in Texas that promises made by Mr. Musharraf to lift the state of emergency are "positive steps." He added that the United States needs the cooperation of Pakistan to combat the militant group al-Qaida.”

President Musharraf has confirmed that parliamentary elections would surely be held before February 15th -- a month later than originally scheduled, he said, “ I just require one month extra to solve the issues.”

As per Musharraf, the Provincial assemblies shall be dissolved on 20 November and the Care Taker Govt. would take charge on 15 November.