ISLAMABAD, Aug 4 President Asif Ali Zardari on Tuesday said the recent incident in Gojra where the minorities were terrorised by a mob struck at the root of tolerance and egalitarianism, warning that the full force of law would visit those who had taken the law into their own hands.

“The government will ensure protection to all minorities, and to all citizens, and those involved in killing, looting and gutting houses in Gojra would be taken to task,” the president said at a party convention at the Presidency which was attended by the PPP office bearers from all districts of the country along with their spouses and children.

He directed minorities minister Shahbaz Bhatti to stay in Gojra till the situation was completely normalised and the culprits involved in killing Christians were brought to justice.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the group of young people carrying arms and explosive devices led the mob and came from Jhang.

The presidential spokesman, Farhatullah Babar, said the perception had totally changed as those who were earlier demanding action over alleged desecration of Holy Quran in Gojra by some Christians, were now sympathising with the Christian community and demanding stern action against rioters.

Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani and party Chairman Bilawal, Asifa Bhutto-Zardari and the top party leadership were also present.

The president warned workers of what he called vicious propaganda against the Pakistan People's Party by “remnants of dictatorship”.

“PPP came into power through elections, but the remnants of dictatorship could not stomach it and were carrying out a vicious propaganda against the party,” he said.

Talking about UN investigation into the assassination of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto, Mr Zardari said she was assassinated as part of a conspiracy against Pakistan and the region.