RAWALPINDI, Oct 7: President Gen Pervez Musharraf on Monday directed that all necessary measures be taken for ensuring peace and tranquillity during the forthcoming general election so that the people could exercise their right to vote and elect their representatives in a free, fair and transparent manner.

The president was addressing a special meeting of the Corps Commanders held here on Monday which reviewed the law and order situation in the country with particular reference to the forthcoming general elections.

Gen Musharraf said that the people held their armed forces in very high esteem and the army assistance for ensuring peace during the elections in the past had always been appreciated by the nation. It was therefore imperative that foolproof security arrangements be made.

The president cautioned that there were certain foreign sponsored elements who may try to create trouble on polling day and troops should be extra-vigilant to guard against any untoward incident.

Gen Musharraf reiterated the commitment of the government to the holding of free, fair and transparent elections.

He directed the participants to extend maximum assistance to the various international observer groups that had arrived in the country to witness polling.

The participants of the meeting, which included all Corps Commanders and Principal Staff Officers, were briefed about the security arrangements which have been finalized for the general elections.

They were also briefed about the ongoing operations against terrorist elements.—APP