ISLAMABAD, June 4: The National Security Council (NSC) on Monday discussed in detail issues concerning the chief justice of Pakistan, internal security and growing religious extremism with special reference to ‘talibalisation’, and decided to deal with them through a comprehensive strategy.

Sources said the governors of Balochistan and the NWFP and Interior Minister Aftab Sherpao briefed the meeting on the security situation and proposed ‘new measures’ to deal with the worsening law and order situation across the country.

Education Minister Javed Ashraf Kazi and Religious Affairs Minister Ijazul Haq, who attended the meeting on invitation, gave their assessment about difficulties being faced in reforming madressahs and resolving the Lal Masjid issue.

President Pervez Musharraf, who presided over the meeting, underlined the need for involvement of the moderate forces and elected representatives in dealing with extremism and terrorism.

He underscored that those indulging in suicide attacks, harassment and threats were enemies of the people and the country. He warned that the government would not allow such elements to take the law in their own hands.

He expressed concern over increase in incidents of suicide attacks, extremism and militancy and unhindered movement of militants to settled areas.

The president vowed that anti-social and anti-state elements would be eliminated with the support of the people.

He ordered that the militants must be taken on, security of vital places beefed up and activities of suspected elements closely monitored.

Gen Musharraf assured the NWFP government that the strength of police force in the province would be enhanced and facilities like transport and equipment would be provided on a priority basis.

He said that the ban on display of weapons must be strictly enforced.

The president said illegal FM radio stations in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas must be blocked.

NWFP Governor Ali Mohammad Jan Aurakzai briefed the meeting on steps being taken to maintain the writ of the government and law and order in the province.

He said strict action would be taken against hardened criminals taking refuge in the guise of fundamentalists.

NWFP Chief Minister Akram Khan Durrani gave an overview of measures taken by the provincial government to curb extremism and terrorism.

He said there was close coordination between him and the governor’s secretariat. He urged the federal government to enhance assistance being provided to the provincial administration for fighting terrorism and extremism.

The chief minister said administrative and political measures were being taken in line with the directives of Gen Musharraf to deal with the situation.

Referring to various incidents of violence in Tank and Dera Ismail Khan, the chief minister said administrative steps had been taken to improve the situation.

This was the 10th meeting of the NSC, which was, as usual, boycotted by the Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly, Maulana Fazlur Rehman.

Sources said the ministers of education and religious affairs proposed tough measures to deal with the issues of Lal Masjid and madressah reform, which were causing a lot of problems as well as embarrassment to the government.

Commerce Minister Humayum Akhtar Khan gave a presentation on the proposed Reconstruction Opportunities Zones in the tribal areas bordering Afghanistan for providing jobs to people. Various products to be manufactured in the zones will have duty free access to the United States.

The council took stock of the incidents of suicide attacks, harassment of people by extremists and measures needed to overcome them.

Interior Minister Sherpao gave a presentation on the domestic security situation with focus on the spread of militancy to the settled districts adjoining the tribal areas.

According to an official announcement, the president ‘regretted’ that certain elements were trying to politicise what he termed ‘purely constitutional and legal issues’ and said the people would not pay heed to their propaganda.

The NSC agreed to draw up a multi-pronged strategy to deal with terrorism and extremism and create employment opportunities for the youth, especially in Fata and the NWFP.

The president assured the meeting that the new federal budget would be a catalyst in bringing about a qualitative change in the life of the poor and ensuring fast economic development. He said poverty would be brought down and job opportunities created through a record Public Sector Development Programme. He said massive economic development activities would be generated as a result of massive allocations for various development projects.

President Musharraf said the country had achieved record economic growth. He underlined the need for transferring the benefits of development to people at the grass-root level. He said measures would be taken to ensure the availability of essential items at subsidised rates. He said steps were being taken to check price hike, especially of items of daily use. He said measures would be taken to check inflation.

He said salaries and pensions of government employees would be increased.

The president emphasised the need for continuity and consistency of policies.