ISLAMABAD, Feb 27: A meeting presided over by President Gen Pervez Musharraf here on Monday decided not to stop peaceful protests against publication of blasphemous cartoons in some European countries. Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz also attended the meeting.

Information Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed told reporters the meeting had resolved that Tahaffuze Namoos-i-Risalat was a joint responsibility of the Ummah and, therefore, no step should be taken to stop peaceful protests.

The meeting decided to raise the issue at various world fora, including the United Nations and the Organisation of Islamic Conference.

Interior Minister Aftab Ahmed Khan Sherpao briefed the meeting on the law and order situation.

Arrangements for the two-day visit of US President George Bush later this week were discussed.

The meeting, Sheikh Rashid said, also reviewed measures to be taken on March 3 when the opposition planned to observe strike and hold a protest.—PPI