The political heirs to slain opposition leader Benazir Bhutto on Tuesday accused the pro-Musharraf ruling party of using violence instigated by agents provocateurs and “miscreants” as an excuse to ”run away” from the forthcoming polls.

“There can be elections in Sri Lanka where there is a constant war. There can be elections in Afghanistan where there is an Al-Qaida movement. Why can’t there be elections in Pakistan and on time?” said Asif Ali Zardari, husband of the late leader of the Pakistan People’s Party.