Islamabad: President Pervez Musharraf today announced the setting up a of commission to identify those responsible for arson and looting during the protests against former premier Benazir Bhutto's assassination as well as a compensation package for those who were affected by the violence.

In an address to the nation, he said the violence had caused "unimaginable losses" across the country, particularly in Sindh, and it was "very unfortunate" that the looting was being given a "political and ethnic colour".

"Some men are still moving around with machine guns and rocket launchers, creating problems for the common people, especially in Sindh," he said, adding people backing certain parties were targeted and attacked.

"This cannot be tolerated and has to be dealt with strictly and stopped through immediate action, Musharraf said. The Prime Minister has been directed to set up a commission to identify the people behind the violence so that they can be brought to justice.

Musharraf also directed the Prime Minister to come up with a compensation package for the people affected by the looting and arson after Bhutto's assassination on December 27.

According to the government's figures, at least 58 people were killed and property worth billions of rupees was damaged in the protests after her killing.

Source : PTI