ISLAMABAD, Nov 30: President Pervez Musharraf on Friday directed the caretaker federal cabinet as well as the provincial administrations to maintain law and order and guard against street agitation as it could “derail the electoral process”.

He was speaking at a meeting at his camp office with a team of ministers led by caretaker prime minister Mohammedmian Soomro, and economic managers including, the State Bank governor. The meeting heard the “President’s perspective of caretaker government”.

The president said: “So far as I am concerned, I am fully neutral in conducting these polls and expect from all of you that you will demonstrate complete neutrality in your actions till the end of elections and transfer of power to the next government.”

According to a press release, Mr Musharraf called upon the caretakers to make sure that the elements which wanted to “derail the transition to full democracy”, were not successful.

He underscored the core objectives to be pursued by the caretaker government including sustaining the economic upsurge, maintaining law and order and holding free, fair and transparent elections.

The president emphasised that the “gains of the past eight years” must be consolidated through continuity of policies and actions.

Highlighting the importance of peace and security, Mr Musharraf said that all situations of conflict must be avoided. The caretaker administration, especially in the provinces, must maintain law and order at every cost and not allow agitation to disrupt the electoral process, he added.

The president reiterated his belief in freedom of the media and emphasised that it was free to criticise policies and actions of the government, including himself. He, however, urged them to avoid “sensationalisation”.He said he was in favour of allowing all international election observers to visit the country.

Mr Musharraf also advised the caretaker administration to ensure that all the ongoing development projects, especially relating to water resource development, bricklining of water courses, power generation and infrastructure development remained on track. He also referred to the social sector projects under execution, calling for expediting work on them.