Lahore, Oct 2 : Pakistan President General Pervez Musharraf would give up his uniform before taking oath as the civilian head of the state, US Consulate Principal Officer Lahore Bryan D Hunt has said.

Hunt further said that national political reconciliation and the holding of free and fair general elections is vital for Pakistan.

"I personally believe Musharraf will keep his word and swear-in as a civilian President. I was not in Pakistan in 2004 so I cannot comment on the allegations of his previous backing-out from his word to shed the military uniform," Hunt said

Avoiding direct comment on the validity of the presidential election process, he said the US believed that as this was a parliamentary election, the doors of the Election Commission and the Supreme Court of Pakistan were open for aggrieved parties.

However, he added that the US had expressed serious concern over the recent arrests of opposition political activists in Pakistan.

Hunt also said that the situation with the presidential polls, and aspersions regarding its credibility, could not be related to the upcoming general elections since even the schedule had not yet been announced.

The US wants free and fair elections in Pakistan as per international standards, and the definition of free and fair elections is clearly defined therein and also by the US, the Daily Times quoted Hunt, as saying.

The US is extending full technical support to Pakistan to ensure free and fair elections in the country, he added.

Commenting on dialogue between the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and Musharraf, Hunt said that no party should close the door to dialogue in politics.

He termed incorrect the general impression in Pakistan that the US is supporting Musharraf, and said that the US would welcome and extend cooperation to any democratic government in Pakistan. (With inputs from ANI)