Tough action ordered against display of weapons at rallies
By Ihtasham ul Haque
ISLAMABAD, Dec 26: A high level meeting held here on Wednesday directed the interior ministry and the provincial governments to make foolproof security arrangements for the general elections.
Informed sources told Dawn that President Pervez Musharraf, who presided over the meeting, directed the officials concerned to also ensure security of political leaders and candidates.
Sources said that the meeting took notice of display of illegal arms during the poll campaign and directed the authorities to take necessary action.
According to the sources, the president said that people involved in displaying weapons should be arrested and their weapons should be confiscated. The president was of the view that even licensed arms should not be allowed to be displayed in political rallies and meetings.
He told the meeting that the army would stay in Swat till the entire valley was cleared of militants.
He directed the federal government and the NWFP administration to prepare as soon as possible a socio-economic development package for the people of Swat and adjoining areas.
The meeting was attended by caretaker Prime Minister Muhammadmian Soomro, the governor and chief minister of the NWFP, senior officials of interior ministry, Chief of Army Staff Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani and the director general military operations.
President Musharraf called for an immediate damage assessment for payment of compensation to families affected during the military operation.
Secretary interior Syed Kamal Shah briefed the meeting on steps being taken to provide security and maintain law and order during the elections.
