Pakistan to hold general elections by May 6

Shah assured the people of Pakistan that the date of elections will not go beyond May 6, Geo News reported.

Polling "can be held on May 4, 5 or 6 but the date will not be extended beyond May 6", the minister was quoted as saying.

Earlier, the main political parties representing the opposition pressed the government to announce the date for elections.

Heads of opposition parties including Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, Jamaiat Ulema-e-Islam (F), Jamat-e-Islami, Pakistan Milli Awami Party and others made their joint stand at a press conference.

The parties also expressed a resolve to thwart any move aimed at derailment of the democratic process.

Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf appreciated the opposition's stand, describing it as historic.

"Their stand is reflective of political maturity of the country's political forces and it is a good omen for the democracy and future of the country," the prime minister said.