ISLAMABAD, Pakistan, (AP) – Pakistan’s military ruler said Sunday elections would be held by January but set no time limit on emergency rule that has suspended citizens’ rights, claiming it was essential for fighting terrorism and ensuring a free and fair vote.

In his first major news conference since suspending the constitution a week ago, President Gen. Pervez Musharraf bristled at criticism of his commitment to democracy and was unapologetic about his decision to purge the top ranks of the judiciary, which had challenged his dominance.

He said he expected to face no foreign sanctions for resorting to authoritarian measures and declared the current parliament would be dissolved in the coming week, paving the way for elections to be held on schedule — despite earlier concerns they could be delayed by up to a year.

“We should have elections before the 9th of January,” Musharraf told reporters at his presidential residence in Islamabad.

The army chief imposed the state of emergency on Nov. 3, citing the growing threat posed by Taliban and al-Qaeda-linked militants. But the main targets of his crackdown have been his most outspoken critics, who claim the move was an attempt to maintain his grip on power.

Thousands of people have been arrested, independent-minded judges have been removed, and almost all but state-run TV news have been taken off the air.

Sounding indignant and sometimes angry, Musharraf said the declaration of the emergency was in the interests of Pakistan, not to keep power.

“It was the most difficult decision I have ever taken in my life,” said Musharraf, wearing a dark blue suit rather than his army fatigues.

“I could have preserved myself, but then it would have damaged the nation. I found myself between a rock and a hard surface. I have no personal ego and ambitions to guard. I have the national interest foremost,” he said. “Whatever the cost, I bear responsibility, and I stand by it.”

Musharraf will please his Western allies with his announcement of early elections, but could worry them with his refusal to commit to a date for lifting the emergency, which many observers and critics here say is tantamount in martial law.

He declared it was necessary to address the “turmoil, shock and confusion” in Pakistan.

“The emergency contributes toward better law and order and a better fight against terrorism,” the military ruler said, adding that it would “reinforce our hand” to use the regular army to fight Islamic militants in the interior of the troubled northwest, beyond lawless tribal regions of Afghanistan.

He also claimed the emergency would “ensure absolute, fair and transparent elections,” and said that Pakistan would invite international observers to scrutinize the vote.

Critics scoffed at his claims, noting that under the present suspension of the constitution, public gatherings are illegal. Others asked how campaigning could take place, citing concern about intimidation or threats of arrest.

“How can the elections be held in a free and fair manner when the emergency is in place?” asked Zafar Ali Shah, a senior leader of the opposition Pakistan Muslim League-N party.

Musharraf said opposition supporters who had been arrested since the emergency would be released to take part in the polls, but warned they could be detained again.

Anyone who “disturbs law and order and wants to create anarchy in the name of elections and democracy, we will not allow that,” he said.

His comments followed a decision to amend a law to give army courts sweeping powers to try civilians on charges ranging from treason to inciting public unrest — which in theory could include opposition leader Benazir Bhutto, who has vowed to lead a 185-mile protest march Tuesday in defiance of a ban.

Musharraf — seen by the U.S. as a close ally in the so-called war on terror — promised that military operations against Islamic militants in the volatile northwest would continue until they are defeated.

“There’s no time limit for that,” he said.

He also declared he would give up his army uniform, but only once his controversial Oct. 6 presidential election victory had been endorsed — regarded by many observers as a formality now that he has remade the Supreme Court and ousted popular judges.

His opponents argue he should have been disqualified because he contested the vote as army chief.

“The moment they give a decision … I should take an oath of office as civilian president of Pakistan. I hope that happens as soon as possible.”

He dismissed speculation that he could struggle to maintain the loyalty of the powerful army once he ruled as a civilian.

“Even if I’m not in uniform, this army will be with me,” Musharraf said.

President Bush earlier described promises to restore civilian rule as “positive,” throwing Washington’s support firmly behind the embattled Pakistani leader.

Musharraf said foreign leaders who had telephoned him were understanding of the situation in Pakistan and that he did not expect international aid to be cut.

“They do understand our ground realities, mainly the issue of terrorism and how we have to combat it,” he said. “If we are on the path to democracy I’m sure they will understand and no such problem will occur.”

Musharraf launched a tirade against the recently deposed chief justice, Iftikhar Mohammed Chaudhry, who this year had become a thorn in the president’s dominance of Pakistan. He defended the decision to oust him, alleging that Chaudhry had engaged in corruption.

Musharraf said there was no chance that any of the Supreme Court judges who were removed or refused to take the oath of office under his “provisional” constitution would be reinstated.

“Absolutely, absolutely. There’s no question,” he said. “Those who have not taken oath are gone.”

Three reporters from Britain’s Daily Telegraph, meanwhile, left Pakistan on Sunday after being expelled in protest of a commentary in their newspaper that used an expletive in reference to Musharraf — who was unapologetic.

The editorial had infringed “norms of behavior,” he said. “I expect an apology.”