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Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf on Monday night promised a free and fair referendum and pledged to abide by the people's verdict.
Addressing the nation on the eve of the referendum, Musharraf also promised to hold elections to the national and provincial assemblies and the senate as scheduled in October this year.
"Your verdict will be accepted and it will be final," he said, adding that the referendum would be "free, fair and crystal clear".
Asserting that Pakistan would remain an Islamic state, Musharraf said the decision to hold the referendum was not for "personal gain or interest" but was based on an "issue".
The president also spoke about bringing forward constitutional amendments but said this would be preceded by a nation-wide debate.
Musharraf said in the past three weeks, he had visited 23 cities and provinces, held several public meetings and rallies and met over 70 delegations from various walks of life including religious and political leaders, industrialists, workers, students and common people.
The president said he was encouraged by the enthusiasm for the referendum displayed by a large number of women who met him.
Referring to his meeting with scouts and guides, the president said he had apprised them of the whopping loans taken in the last 10 to 12 years leaving behind a heavy debt burden, which the younger generation would have to cope up with.
He said his regime would make concerted efforts to rectify the situation.
Musharraf said he would welcome anyone from outside wanting to visit the country "to see how this referendum is being held".
Dismissing criticism that the referendum would be a costly affair for the country, he said the expenditure would be minimal.
The president said he was grateful to the people of the country who had turned up in large numbers to attend his rallies.
"I need your support to move ahead," he said, adding, "the country belongs to all of you and the future is also yours."
PTI
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