April 10, 2008	Thursday	Rabi-us-Sani 3, 1429

ISLAMABAD: President Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani on Wednesday strongly condemned the acts of rowdyism in Karachi and Lahore and vowed that on no account subversive elements would be allowed to disturb the peace.

President Musharraf and Prime Minister Gilani said during a call by the Prime Minister on the President at the President’s House.

Noting the incidents manhandling with former chief minister Arbab Ghulam Rahim and former federal minister Dr Sher Afgan Niazi, the two leaders stressed the need for developing an atmosphere of tolerance.

They termed the incidents “totally unacceptable” and directed the authorities concerned to carry out an investigation.

The president and prime minister said such acts of hooliganism were designed to vitiate the unprecedented cooperation and spirit of accommodation by political parties on all sides of the spectrum.

The two leaders welcomed political reconciliation in the country and said the people of Pakistan wish to see the country move forward on the path to progress.

The two leaders discussed various steps initiated by the government for improving the socio-economic conditions and welfare of the people. President’s forthcoming visit to China, measures to eradicate extremism and other matters also came under discussion.—APP