Poll date decision after consulting all concerned: PM

Islamabad, Dec 31 (UNI) Pakistan Prime Minister Mohammed Mian Soomro said a decision on the change in the date of elections will be taken after detailed consultations with all concerned.

''The Election Commission is the primary institution to decide about the holding of elections on the announced date, based on assessment of the ground situation,'' the Prime Minister said.

''Security with public support must return soon. I am in consultation with different stakeholders and political parties. We must remain cool and keep national interest above all,'' the Associated Press of Pakistan quoted him as saying.

The cabinet was briefed by the Caretaker Interior Ministry on the tense law and order situation that erupted soon after the assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.

Though the situation had started improving after the deployment of troops, the loss to public property and infrastructure had been unprecedented.

Manufacturing, revenue, exports had all suffered badly. Loss to Railway had been huge as many coaches&locomotives had been burnt.

Mr Soomro said, ''Criminal elements took advantage of the tragedy by indulging in loot and plunder. They clearly attempted to disrupt the lifeline from South to North of Pakistan.'' While reviewing the steps taken by the government for investigation into Bhutto's assassination, the Cabinet expressed its resolve to fight the scourge of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and safeguard the life and property of the people.

UNI