Musharraf pledges election 'roadmap'

General Musharraf called for a renewed spirit of unity

Pakistan's military ruler, General Pervez Musharraf, says he will give full details of a timetable for returning the country to democracy later on Tuesday.

We have to advocate tolerance, understanding of each other's views and beliefs

General Musharraf

"During my address [to district executives] later today I will be giving a clear roadmap for putting in place an elected government by October 2002," General Musharraf said.

General Musharraf, who made himself president in June after seizing power in a 1999 coup, has already said he will abide by a Supreme Court ruling to hold nationwide elections by that date.

Musharraf will run his election ideas up the flagpole later on Tuesday

During an address to mark Pakistan's 54th independence day, delivered in front of the presidential palace in Islamabad, General Musharraf concentrated on other issues, including crime, the country's economy and the vexed question of Kashmir.

He said the economy was "back on the rails", following progress resolving economic problems and stamping out corruption.

Following his landmark visit to India in July, General Musharraf spoke of the need for both countries to have good relations.

He said Pakistan was in favour of further talks on Kashmir, and other issues with India.

Pakistanis have been celebrating

The announcement of any timetable towards returning Pakistan to democracy will please the international community.

A BBC correspondent in Islamabad says that although it is unlikely to go far enough to ease the sanctions imposed by the United States after the coup, it will undoubtedly improve relations with other countries.