Afghan President Hamid Karzai says that the country's 2014 presidential elections will take place on time despite the scheduled exit of U.S. and NATO troops from the country.

During a news conference Thursday in the capital, Kabul, Mr. Karzai said the vote will “100 percent, happen on time” adding that any prolonging of his tenure would be 'illegitimate'.

Afghan lawmakers have considered changing the election timing to avoid an overlap with the scheduled drawdown of U.S.-led NATO forces which is to set to take place at the end of 2014.

Mr. Karzai, in his comments, also criticized foreign media outlets which he said painted a gloomy scenario of Afghanistan after the pull out.