The Pakistan government has directed law enforcement agencies to hunt down and apprehend all terrorist elements so that the upcoming general election can be held in a peaceful atmosphere.

The federal and provincial governments are determined to ensure the peaceful completion of the transition to democracy through fair, free and transparent elections on February 18, Interior Ministry spokesman Javed Iqbal Cheema said.

A meeting chaired on Tuesday by caretaker Interior Minister Hamid Nawaz Khan reviewed the situation across Pakistan and firmed up security plans for the smooth conduct of the polls.

Authorities were directed to take stringent measures and show 'no leniency' towards elements involved in militancy and violence, Cheema told a weekly news briefing.

Terrorist elements would be 'hunted down and apprehended', he added.

The provincial governments have been directed to provide foolproof security to all political leaders and show 'zero tolerance' towards anyone brandishing weapons. They have also been asked to take strict action against those spreading hate materials.

The government is geared up to maintain law and order during the 'crucial' elections so that people are able to exercise their franchise in a peaceful atmosphere. All security arrangements for the elections have been put in place and final touches will be given days ahead of the polling day, Cheema said.

Besides police and paramilitary Pakistan Rangers, the army will be available to assist in maintaining law and order if required, he said.

Cheema also said there had been a 'visible improvement' in the law and order situation across the country, especially in the tribal areas and Swat, where security forces have been conducting operations against militants. The troops have cleared Swat of militants and established the writ of the government in the area, he said.

Security forces have also recaptured the Kohat tunnel in the Darra Adam Khel area of the North West Frontier Province. The tunnel, which was occupied by rebels last week, is being examined by the security forces before being opened to traffic, he said.

"The militants planted explosive materials around the tunnel, which the security forces are clearing away," Cheema said.

The tunnel is part of a strategic highway linking NWFP capital Peshawar to other parts of the province.
 
About 50 militants were killed in clashes with security forces in the Darra Adam Khel area.