President Pervez Musharraf on Monday directed the security forces to ensure security of innocent people and children held hostage in the 'Lal Masjid' compound.

The president while chairing a high level meeting here at his Camp Office, also attended by Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, appreciated the "exemplary restraint" shown by the security personnel in the ongoing operation.

The president also appreciated the co-operation shown by the residents of the G-6 area with the administration and law enforcement personnel.

He directed the administration that all possible steps for the security of people residing in the areas under curfew be taken.

The president directed swift measures to ease their hardship, including immediate restoration of electricity and gas supply to those living in the vicinity of 'Lal Masjid-Jamia Hafsa' compound.

He directed the local administration and authorities to facilitate the staffers of banks located in the area, and provision of necessary household supplies to the affected people.

The meeting reviewed in detail the situation with particular reference to the ongoing operation in Lal Masjid and Jamia Hafsa.

The meeting was attended by PML President Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, Information Minister Muhammad Ali Durrani, Interior Minister Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao, Vice Chief of Army Staff General Ahsan Saleem Hayat, Minister of State for Information Tariq Azeem, Minister of State for Interior Zafar Iqbal Warriach and senior officials.

The participants appreciated the prudent strategy adopted by the administration and law enforcement personnel during the operation, which led to safe evacuation of over 1250 Madrassa students and others residing in the seminary.

The meeting offered fateha for all those innocent who had lost their lives. They paid tributes to Lt. Col Haroon Islam and other personnel for bravery and courage.