President General Pervez Musharraf reiterated on Friday the government's firm resolve to uproot extremism from the country, stating that elements behind terrorist incidents were enemies of both Islam and Pakistan.
"We will not let these extremists go free. We will track them down and fulfil our resolve to rid the society of elements responsible for agony and suffering to the innocent people," he said
The President, while speaking to the family members of the martyrs and the citizens, who were injured in the December 25 suicide attack, urged the nation to help the government in finding out the extremists.
Earlier, the President offered Fateha for those who lost their lives in the terrorism bid, and expressed his heartfelt grief and sorrow over the loss of precious lives.
He gave cheques for Rs 500,000 each to the relatives of the martyrs. The families of seven policemen, who gave the ultimate sacrifice, are being given an additional amount of Rs 500,000 each. The injured were given Rs 100,000.each.
Information Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmad and Interior Minister Makhdoom Faisal Saleh Hayat were also present.
President Musharraf said extremists were not only harming the image of the country, but were also attempting to tarnish our great religion, which stood far tolerance and brotherhood.
"This is not Islam. The elements behind these incidents are not Muslims because committing suicide is unlawful in Islam. They are bringing misery and anguish to the innocent people.
"This is not Islam, our religion ordains that he who kills one person is as if he has killed the entire humanity.
"I want to assure the nation that we shall deal with such elements effectively, whether they are some foreigners or local people, carrying out acts of extremism," he said.
The President praised the valour and commitment to duty of the police personnel who lost their lives.
"They offered the sacrifice of their lives in the line of duty, their sacrifice is unforgettable, they were my companions, and I am deeply grieved at their loss," he said, assuring help to the bereaved families in redressing their difficulties.