Jeddah, Nov 18 : Former premier Nawaz Sharif has said that President Pervez Musharraf’s self-serving contention that a free vote would result in extremists coming to power is utterly flawed, and intended to frighten the West.

"‘First, the people of Pakistan should have the chance to elect people they trust, " Sharif said.

"My party, the PML-N, and the PPP enjoy tremendous support across the country. Both of these parties are more progressive and forward-looking than the generals ineffective autocracy, " he added.

"Second, if free and impartial elections are held in Pakistan, the world would see the rise of moderates, " Sharif said.

Sharif claimed it is dictatorship that is fuelling extremism in Pakistan.

"Return to people their right to vote in free elections, and you will see the results, " Sharif wrote in the Washington Post. (ANI)