Musharraf vows to lift emergency rule

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan, Nov. 29 (UPI) -- Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf, who took the presidential oath Thursday, said he plans to end the emergency rule no later than Dec. 16.

Musharraf, who stepped down as army chief Wednesday, pledged to reach out to opponents and to move Pakistan toward the "complete essence of democracy," The Washington Post reported. Stepping down from his military position was a key demand of opposition groups and Western allies, including the United States.

After being sworn in as president, the 64-year-old Musharraf said the need for emergency rule had subsided, citing military progress against radical Islamic insurgents.

He imposed a state of emergency Nov. 3.

"Efforts were made to derail the transition to democracy. The transit ion is now back on track," said Musharraf, who wore a civilian suit for his swearing-in ceremony.

He also pledged that "free and fair" parliamentary elections would go ahead as planned for January.