PM directs intelligence agencies to sharpen clues-gathering techniques

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Justice retired Mir Hazar Khan Khoso on Saturday directed the Intelligence Agencies to sharpen their information-gathering techniques so that the acts of terrorism could be foiled which might prove disastrous for the nation. The Prime Minister reiterating government's stance of zero tolerance for acts of terrorism, said that the Government would not compromise on the issue of law and order throughout the country for holding free and fair elections in a secure environment. Prime Minister Khoso was addressing the Federal Cabinet which met here to discuss the important agenda item of law and order situation with special reference to Elections 2013. The Prime Minister observed that the recent acts of terrorism were being carried out to create panic and fear amongst the masses. "Let me categorically declare that holding free, fair and transparent elections is the primary responsibility of the Caretaker Government," he added. He said that each and every patriotic citizen, irrespective of their political affiliation, realized that the country was passing through a critical phase but the Government assured the nation that with the help of Allah Almighty, it would succeed, in overcoming all problems being faced by the people. Prime Minister Khoso declared that the Caretaker Government would take all constitutional and legal steps to ensure impartiality, in collaboration with Election Commission for holding the general Elections on May 11. "Elections would be held on time following which government would be handed over to the elected representatives," he maintained. The Prime Minister alluding to national responsibility shared by each citizen, requested the masses to keep vigil on the movement of suspicious elements around them and inform the police immediately. "I am sure if every Pakistani decides to guard his homeland, cooperate with and assist the law enforcement agencies, we would defeat the criminal elements who want to destabilize the country and disturb the election process," he opined. The Prime Minister further informed that the security had been beefed up for sensitive polling stations, candidates and masses. The decision to deploy rapid response force was another step towards provision of conducive environment for the voters, he added. Expressing his optimism about active participation of voters on the polling day, PM Khoso said that he expected that all Pakistanis would come out of their houses to cast their votes for their beloved country and make the election process a success. Eulogizing sacrifices of Pakistani nation during acts of terrorism, he said his Cabinet saluted all those who had embraced Shahaadat, proving that the terrorists could not defeat the brave Pakistani citizens who offered their lives to protect the country. "I salute the Jawans of the Army, Police and Law Enforcement Agencies, who have been performing their duties with courage and dedication," the Prime Minister said.