ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan Saturday directed the local administration to identify the culprits involved in the Rawalpindi incident and bring them to justice.

He issued these directives at a high level meeting chaired by him here at the Ministry of Interior.

Punjab Ministers Rana Sanaullah, Raja Ashfaq Sarwar and Khanzada Shujah along with chief secretary, IGP, secretary interior and senior officers of Rawalpindi/Islamabad administration and intelligence agencies participated in the meeting.

The meeting expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of lives and valuable properties in Rawalpindi on Friday, said a press release issued here.

A curfew was imposed in Rawalpindi after violence erupted killing at least 10 people when an Ashura procession of Shias coincided with a sermon at a nearby mosque of Sunnis on Friday.

Chaudhry Nisar also directed that a transparent enquiry be conducted to identify the perpetrators and the conspirators, planning to disturb the sectarian harmony.

The meeting deliberated upon relaxing of curfew and directed that the law enforcing agencies should remain alert and deployed.

It was directed in the meeting that all medical facilities be provided free of charge to the injured. The meeting called upon the Ulema from all sects to play their role in forging peace and harmony.

The minister also appealed for calm among public and sought their cooperation in identifying the culprits.

PM phones CM Punjab

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif sought details on the Rawalpindi incident from Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif over the telephone.

Sharif is currently on an official visit in Sri Lanka.

A statement issued by the Prime Minister's House said measures taken by the government to defuse tension in the area were conveyed by the chief minister.

He informed the premier that the situation was being monitored on minute-to-minute basis in consultation with Pakistan Army, intelligence agencies and Ministry of Interior.

Prime Minister Sharif directed that miscreants responsible for the incident should not be spared and their nefarious designs of creating discord in the society must be defeated.

CM Sharif also briefed his elder brother on the responsible and mature role of the media in handling the situation.