Islamabad: Pakistan's cricketer-turned- politician Imran Khan today urged all opposition parties to boycott the January general election but admitted that a final decision in this regard would depend on the stance adopted by former Premier Benazir Bhutto.

Describing the parliamentary polls called by President Pervez Musharraf's military regime on January 8 as "fraudulent", he said participation in the election would only strengthen the General's position.

Khan, released from prison yesterday after being arrested under an anti-terror law, said there is "no point in participating in an election where apart from the pre-poll and polling day rigging the opposition will have its hands tied behind its back and all the chips will be with Musharraf and his cronies".

The All Parties Democratic Movement (APDM) -- a grouping comprising Khan's Tehreek-e-Insaf, Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal, Awami National Party and other smaller opposition parties will decide whether to boycott the polls at a meeting on November 24.

But Khan pointed out that much would depend on Bhutto s Pakistan People s Party (PPP), which today directed its candidates to file their nominations but said the papers could be withdrawn later if all parties decided on a boycott.

"Well, it (Bhutto's stand) will make a difference. If she decides to fight (the election), then of course we have to discuss the implications," Khan told Dawn News channel. He said the APDM is trying to convince Bhutto to boycott the polls.

Source : PTI