ISLAMABAD, Dec 26: President Gen Pervez Musharraf on Friday announced financial assistance amounting to Rs500,000 each for the families of those killed in suicide attacks, officials said.

President Musharraf survived the Dec 25 attack in Rawalpindi in which 15 people, including four policemen were killed and 45 others injured.

Officials said those who sustained injuries will be given Rs100,000 each while families of the police officials killed at the site of the incident would be given an additional Rs500,000 each.

Gen Musharraf in an interview with Pakistan television late Thursday praised the “courage and commitment” to service of one of the policemen, whom he saw laying down his life while stopping one of the two explosives-laden vehicles as it advanced towards the president’s motorcade.

“He paid the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, what more can be expected of a personnel performing the duty of ensuring security,” Gen Musharraf said.

On criticism about an alleged security lapse, he said the suicide bombing against him was a “targeted act of terrorism.”

“One should not react impulsively to security arrangements as total security against suicide bombers can hardly be guaranteed.”

President Musharraf and members of his family have thanked the people who offered thanksgiving prayers for the president’s safety and well-being.

Hundred and thousands of people worldwide have sent messages to the president and his family to convey their best wishes and prayers for his long life.

The President and his family expressed their condolences with those killed in the terrorist attack and prayed to Allah Almighty to rest the departed souls in eternal peace.

The president said: “They are not Muslims because, I don’t think that Islam in any way associates itself with suicide, it is unlawful and forbidden in Islam.”

Islam, he said, does not associate itself with any kind of militancy and terrorism. “Therefore, they are the enemies of Islam, they are the enemies of Ummah and they are the enemies of Pakistan.” He said the government would get to these people.

“I am sure God is on the side of justice, whatever we are trying to do is just, therefore, God will be with us, there is no doubt in mind.”

The president said his resolve to deal with militants and extremists was strengthened and his belief in Allah gets more strength by these cowardly acts.—Agencies