Polls close in Pakistan election

PAKISTANIES finished voting for their new parliament today in a key step toward democracy after eight years of military rule under President Pervez Musharraf.

But fear of militant attacks and apathy after a lacklustre campaign appeared to keep turnout low.

Mr Musharraf promised to work with the new government regardless of who won the vote, after a year of turmoil that has seen an explosion in Taliban militancy and growing public disaffection with Pakistan's support of the war on terror.

"I will say from my side, whichever political party will win, whoever will become prime minister and chief ministers, congratulation to them on my behalf. And I will give them full cooperation as president whatever is my role," the president told state television.

Some 81 million Pakistanis were eligible to vote for new national and provincial assemblies. Polls closed at 5pm (1200 GMT), although voters standing in line were permitted to cast ballots. Officials said it could take another two days for complete results.