Kabul, Aug 18 (DPA) The Afghan government Tuesday requested local and international media outlets to refrain from reporting violent incidents during this week's polling day.

Afghans will vote Thursday to elect a new president, and Taliban militants have been stepping up their attacks during the campaign, threatening to slit the throats and cut off the fingers of voters.

'All domestic and international media agencies are requested to refrain from broadcasting any incidence of violence during the election process form 6.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m. Aug 20,' a government statement said.

The decision is aimed at avoiding public panic on election day and was taken by the National Security Council, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Zahir Faqeri said.