Islamabad: A decline in President Pervez Musharraf's popularity may hit hard the Pakistan Muslim League (PML) Q in the general elections, Pakistanis told Gulf News.

Most Pakistanis hold the group responsible for the turmoil in the country, with high inflation, rising prices and law and order fuelling public sentiments.

Talking to Gulf News, Pakistanis said they hoped for change in the country.

Mushtaq Qureshi, a resident, said that Musharraf's perceived support of the Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi-led PML-Q "will indeed serve as a disadvantage for the PML-Q."

Qureshi said that voters are largely split in different political parties but most of them are against the PML-Q and Mushrraf polices.

Mohammad Ejaz, a resident of Rawalpindi, said he is determined to vote. "I'll use my vote but I'm not sure whether the elections would be fair or not."

Balqees Khanum, a female activist, said a boycott will not be in favour of Pakistan's future. "I think a solid public participation in the elections will deter PML-Q from regaining the power," she said.

All Parties Democratic Movement has launched a campaign to convince people to boycott the elections, saying the polls can not be fair in the presence of Musharraf.