Special report: Benazir Bhutto assassinated

Pakistani armed policemen stand guard on a street in Quetta, Pakistan Dec. 29, 2007. (Xinhua/AFP Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

     ISLAMABAD, Dec. 29 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf said Saturday while the entire nation was in mourning over the tragic death of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, miscreants and anti-social elements could not be allowed to damage lives and property of the common people in the guise of protest.

    Speaking at a meeting at the President's Camp Office in Rawalpindi, Musharraf said elements who wish to exploit the situation by looting and plundering must be dealt with firmly and all measures be taken to ensure safety and security of the people.

    Musharraf mentioned the problems being faced by people as the chemists, bakeries, grocery stores and petrol and CNG pumps had been closed due to the fear of the hooligans and looters.

    Some cities across Pakistan have been gripped by escalating violence following the death of former Prime Minister and Chairperson of People's Party (PPP) Bhutto on Thursday.

    People took to the streets in various cities, setting ablaze vehicles, destroying banks and looting stores.

    Musharraf directed the law enforcement agencies to take a serious note and ensure early return to normalcy so that the sufferings of the common people were addressed.

    Security personnel have been deployed in some cities of the country.

    The meeting was also attended by Minister for Information NisarA Memon, Interior Minister Hamid Nawaz Khan, Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, heads of security agencies and other officials.