British diplomat stresses on fair elections, visits poll stations

Islamabad, Feb 18 (UNI) British High Commissioner in Pakistan Robert Brinkley today said free and fair polls would be in the country's ''wider interests'' and visited several polling stations here to observe the electoral process.

Mr Brinkley told mediapersons that holding of free and fair polls would be in Pakistan's wider interests, Geo TV reported.

He also expressed the hope that the electoral process would strengthen the country.

Polling for general elections began this morning amid unprecedented security across the country.

More than 500 international observers have reached Pakistan to monitor the polls.

UNI XC RR KN1543