ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari on Monday said the government was committed to safeguarding the lives and property of the citizens at all costs.

He said the government while pursuing the policy of reconciliation would continue with its efforts to take along all political forces with it on all major decisions.

He reiterated the government's resolve to restore peace and law and order in Karachi and to bring the culprits to book regardless of their political affiliations.

President Zardari expressed these views in his meeting with a seven-member delegation of Awami National Party at Aiwan-i-Sadr. The delegation comprised Senator Zahid Khan, MNA Jamila Gillani, Senior Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Bashir Ahmed Bilour, Provincial Minister KPK Mian Iftikhar Hussain, Shahi Syed, Lala Ajab Khan and Bashir Jan. Senator Sardar Ali Khan was also present during the meeting.

The delegation appreciated the steps taken for the restoration of peace in Karachi and for making the local administration more responsive to any emerging law and order situation in the province.

They also welcomed the decision to immediately fill the vacant posts of judges of anti-terror courts and to strengthen the prosecution side of the justice system.