ISLAMABAD, Dec 9: Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Nisar A. Memon said on Sunday that the groundwork for lifting emergency as per the announcement made by President Gen (retd) Pervez Musharraf was in final stages.

“Federal Minister for Law Syed Afzal Haider is looking into the legal aspects (of the issue) and (the outcome of his efforts) will be made public as soon as possible,” said the minister after the prize distribution ceremony for the Federal Amateur Golf Championship at the Islamabad Golf Club here.

He said that preparations were being made to meet the requirements for holding elections on Jan 8 and no individual or party should have any doubt over the government’s resolve to hold elections on time.

Answering a question, Mr Memon said the armed forces had flushed out terrorist elements from Swat and its adjoining areas, besides seizing equipment of illegal radio stations.

“Law and order situation in Swat district is improving. The electioneering process has been launched in the area and dozens of candidates have submitted their nomination papers. We are facing an enormous situation as the country is facing international terrorism as well as negative international propaganda campaign.

“We have to tackle both,” he said and added that around 290 terrorists had been killed in Swat. The army would remain in the areas until the chief minister of NWFP desired for it to remain. When asked whether the government was considering calling in armed forces for elections in other areas of the country, the minister said it was premature to comment on such a possibility. However, the armed forces had been requested to help the civilian government when needed, he said.—APP