Islamabad: Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf on Saturday ordered security forces to deal firmly with rioters indulging in violence during protests against the assassination of former premier Benazir Bhutto, saying no one will be allowed to derail next month's general elections.

While the entire country is in mourning over the tragic death of Bhutto, anti-social elements "cannot be allowed to damage lives and property of the common man in the guise of protests," Musharraf said while co-chairing a meeting with caretaker Prime Minister Mohammedmian Soomro to review law and order in the violence-hit country.

"Elements who wish to exploit the situation by looting and plundering must be dealt with firmly and all measures must be taken to ensure the safety and security of the people," he said.

Hurdles to the holding of a free and fair general election in January will not be tolerated, Musharraf told the meeting that was attended by caretaker Interior Minister Hamid Nawaz Khan, army chief Gen Ashfaq Pervez Kiyani and heads of security agencies.

Musharraf also directed the security agencies to protect all vital installations across the country.

Noting the problems faced by people due to the closure of chemists, bakeries, grocery stores and petrol and CNG pumps because of fears of looting, the President directed law enforcement agencies to ensure an early return to normalcy.

The burning and looting of property and businesses would render many jobless and create serious problems for their families and cannot be allowed, he said.

The meeting, held at the President's Camp Office in Rawalpindi, was briefed about the current law and order situation in the four provinces, particularly Sindh, where the army has been called out to help the civil administration.

Over 30 people have died in violent protests across Pakistan in the aftermath of the assassination of Bhutto by a suicide attacker in Rawalpindi on Thursday.

Sindh province, a stronghold of her Pakistan People            s Party, was hit hardest by the violence. More than 200 bank branches were burnt or damaged, hundreds of government buildings and offices were vandalised and over 425 vehicles were torched in Karachi alone.

The meeting was also given an update on the investigation into the terrorist attack on Bhutto.

- Rezaul H Laskar

Also Read
* Life limping to normalcy in violence-hit Pakistan

Source : PTI