Foolproof security for Pak presidential polls

Islamabad, Sep 26 (UNI) Foolproof security arrangements would be in place to ensure a free and fair presidential election in the country, the Pakistan government has said.

Interior Ministry spokesman Brig (retd) Javed Iqbal Cheema, addressing newspersons here yesterday, said the government has directed all four provincial governments to ensure tight security and peace on the polling day.

Brig Cheema said though there was no specific lead, a terrorist attack could not be ruled out.

He described the crackdown on the Opposition parties as an ''internal matter'', flaying the ''concerns'' expressed by the US and the EU, Daily Times reported.

He clarified that the Opposition threat of agitation and besieging the Supreme Court and the Election Commission forced the government to take firm action to maintain public peace.

Brig Cheema clarified a number of people, including some politicians, had been taken in protective custody to ensure a peaceful environment during the Supreme Court hearings on President Pervez Musharraf's dual offices and the completion of electoral process.

To a query about Al-Qaeda declaring a war on Gen Musharraf, Brig Cheema said no threat could shake the government's resolve to fight terror.

UNI