The caretaker Prime Minister of Pakistan Mohammed Mian Soomro yesterday said any decision regarding any change in date of general elections would be taken after detailed consultations with all concerned.

Speaking at a federal cabinet meeting here, Soomro said, "The Election Commission is the primary institution to decide about the holding of elections on the announced date, based on assessment of the ground situation."

The caretaker Interior Minister Hamid Nawaz Khan briefed the attendants on the law and order situation that erupted soon after the assassination of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, former prime minister and chairperson of People's Party (PPP). The meeting was informed that the situation had started improving after the deployment of troops, the Associated Press of Pakistan reported.

"The poor people have suffered the most," Soomro said, "Security with public support must return soon. I am in consultation with different stake holders and political parties. We must remain cool and keep national interest above all."

The Cabinet expressed its resolve to fight the scourge of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and safeguard the life and property of the people.

Soomro directed the concerned federal and provincial authorities to take strict action against the miscreants. The Cabinet also reviewed the steps taken by the Ministry of Interior for investigation into the terrorist attack on Bhutto.

The Election Commission of Pakistan held an emergency meeting in Islamabad yesterday and announced that it would make a decision on the timing of polls on Tuesday after consultations with provincial governments and district election commissions.