Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf on Saturday ordered security forces to deal firmly with rioters indulging in violence during protests against the assassination of former premier Benazir Bhutto, saying no one will be allowed to derail next month’s general elections.While the entire country is in mourning over the tragic death of Bhutto, anti-social elements “cannot be allowed to damage lives and property of the common man in the guise of protests,” Musharraf said while co-chairing a meeting with caretaker Prime Minister Mohammedmian Soomro to review law and order.“Elements who wish to exploit the situation by looting and plundering must be dealt with firmly and all measures must be taken to ensure the safety and security of the people,” he said. Hurdles to the holding of a free and fair general election in January will not be tolerated, Musharraf told the meeting that was attended by caretaker Interior Minister Hamid Nawaz Khan, army chief Gen Ashfaq Pervez Kiyani and heads of security agencies. He also directed the security agencies to protect all vital installations across the country.
