ISLAMABAD, Dec 15: The federal cabinet on Monday condemned the explosion in Rawalpindi that occurred on Sunday and declared that it stood solidly behind President Gen Musharraf in his resolve to fight terrorism and extremism in all their forms and manifestations.

Speaking at a cabinet meeting here, Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Jamali reaffirmed that Pakistan would not relent from its policy of combating terrorism and would deal sternly with any individual or group involved in acts of terror.

Mr Jamali said the safety and security of the president was the responsibility of the government which would spare no efforts in that regard.

The stability of Pakistan and its development as a modern and moderate Islamic state was the course on which the government would continue to move and every impediment on that course should be removed with full might of the state, he declared.

The prime minister reiterated his belief that God is the protector but it was the responsibility of the state to take all possible steps to protect its leaders.

He, therefore, asked the interior ministry to review the existing VVIP security procedures particularly in the post-9/11 scenario and ensure close coordination between all federal and provincial agencies concerned with security matters.

The prime minister said shifting of responsibilities from one to the other would not be allowed and all agencies and organizations must work in complete harmony and with full coordination.

Mr Jamali said the law enforcement and security agencies should act in complete harmony to create a peaceful and secure environment in the country where every citizen felt protected and safe.

The prime minister directed the finance ministry to immediately release funds required to enhance the operational efficiency of the law enforcement and security agencies.

The prime minister directed that given the sensitivity of the subject, only the information minister would act as the spokesperson on the issue in consultation with the interior minister.