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ISLAMABAD: Minister Information and Broadcasting Sheikh Rashid Ahmed Monday told Senate that five explosive devices were planted under Jhanda Chichi Bridge which simultaneously detonated some time after the motorcade of President General Pervez Musharraf crossed the point on Sunday evening.

"Five explosive devices were fixed under the bridge and those simultaneously detonated sometime after the passage of the President's motorcade," he said.

The Information Minister said this was an act of terrorism and nothing else.

Welcoming the opposition, especially from religio-political parties for condemning the act, he said, it is a healthy sign that the Senators from all the political parties and especially from the religious parties, did condemn this act of terrorism.

Highlighting need for unanimous approach to deal with the challenges ahead, he said, "the next 14-16 months are of high significance for the region, thus we should adopt a unanimous approach to meet the challenges ahead in an effective manner."

Prudent and far-sighted Approach

"We, both, the government and opposition, will have to adopt prudent and far-sighted approach to handle the emerging situation," he said.

He said such a happening was a matter of concern as it took place at a time when the President of Indonesia was in Islamabad and the SAARC Summit is being held soon. "We are thank-full to Allah Almighty that a disaster had been averted," he said.

Cabinet condemns Blast

Meanwhile, the federal cabinet on Monday "strongly and unanimously condemned" the explosion in Rawalpindi yesterday and reposed full confidence in the leadership of President General Pervez Musharraf.

"The Federal Cabinet has declared that it stood solidly behind the President in his resolve to fight terrorism in all its forms and manifestations," a statement released here said.

Addressing the Cabinet Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali reaffirmed that "Pakistan will not relent from its policy of combating terrorism and shall deal sternly with any individual or group involved in acts of terror."

Prime Minister Jamali said that the safety and security of the President was the responsibility of the government and it will spare no effort in this regard. "The stability of Pakistan and its development as a modern and moderate Islamic state was the course on which the government will continue to move and every impediment shall be resolved with the full might of the state," he declared.

The Prime Minister reiterated his firm belief that Allah Almighty is the Protector but it was the responsibility of the state to take all possible steps to protect its leaders. He directed the Ministry of Interior to review the prevailing VVIP security procedures and ensure close coordination between all federal and provincial agencies concerned with security matters.

He said all agencies and organizations must have complete coordination, and must not pass on the responsibility to the other. The Prime Minister said that the law enforcing and security agencies should act in complete harmony to create a peaceful and secure environment in the country where every citizen feels protected and safe.

The Prime Minister directed the Ministry of Finance to immediately release funds required to enhance the operational efficiency of the law enforcing and security agencies. The Prime Minister said that given the sensitivity of the issue, only the Information Minister will act as the spokesperson, in consultation with the Minister for Interior.

Arab Ambassadors condemn terrorist attack on President Musharraf

The Arab Ambassadors here Monday strongly condemned the terrorist attack on President General Pervez Musharraf and reiterated complete solidarity with Pakistan and its people. "The Council of Arab Ambassadors...condemns in the strongest terms, yesterday's attempt on the life of the Pakistan President General Pervez Musharraf," they said in a statement here.

The Council said Pakistan is a peace-loving country and its people are known for their wisdom and peaceful coexistence in harmony and their Arab brothers once again show their total solidarity and understanding. "President Musharraf's relentless efforts to promote the socio-economic development of Pakistan and attract more foreign investments to the country are appreciated in the Arab World and within the international community," the council said.

The Council thanked Allah Almighty that no innocent citizens were injured due to this act of terror. "May Allah bless Pakistan and its brave people, and protect them from any harm," the Council members prayed.

India condemns terrorist Blast

India on Monday condemned the Sunday blast in Rawalpindi, minutes after President Pervez Musharraf passes from there. "Government of India condemns the terrorist blast in Rawalpindi", an External Affairs Ministry spokesman told the newsmen here.

"The incident has underscored once again the need for eliminating terrorism in a comprehensive manner from everywhere", he added.