ISLAMABAD, Dec 26: President Gen Pervez Musharraf on Thursday said he had no doubt in his mind that he was the target of the misguided elements. He, however, made it clear that such attacks could not stop him from his path of combating extremism and militancy.

Talking to official media after the second attack on his life within two weeks, the president said he believed what he was doing was right, and those who were attempting to kill him were extremists and enemies of Pakistan and Islam.

The president, however, said there was no need to panic, adding he did not believe it was a security lapse.

“A suicide bomber is mobile. Who could stop them?” The president said he would not name other countries, but possibility of suicide bombings could hardly be checked.

The president said he would not make changes to security agencies’ staff, including the policemen.

He especially praised the role of a policeman, who was trampled to death under the wheels, while trying to stop one of the vehicles which hit the president’s motorcade.

“What else do you want them to perform. They are loyal to me. Certainly, we will sit down and discuss what more needs to be done.”

Expressing his solidarity with those who were killed in the attack, the president said that since they were killed because of him (the president), he would ensure that they were properly compensated, and properly looked after.

In reply to a question about the Saarc summit, the president said there was no threat to the lives of all dignitaries coming to attend the Saarc conference.

The president said that bombing was targeted “and I am the target, so there is nothing to worry about.”

The president said the suicide bombing against him was a targeted act of terrorism and one should not react impulsively to security arrangements as total security against suicide bombers can hardly be guaranteed.

He reiterated his resolve to remain firm in the face of such attacks. “I am not a loser. I don’t believe in running away. Dangers come in the life but I don’t bother. I believe in destiny and have a very strong faith in Allah.”

The president said his resolve to deal with militants and extremists has been strengthened by such cowardly acts. He said the attacks had made stronger his belief in Allah.

Hours after the two suicide car bombers hit his motorcade in Rawalpindi, the president hosted a banquet in honour of Comestech’s participants.

FEDERAL CABINET: Meanwhile, the Federal Cabinet which met on Thursday with Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali in the chair, expressed solidarity with President Gen Pervez Musharraf and condemned the terrorist attack on his life.

Addressing the cabinet’s emergency meeting, summoned to review overall security situation, the prime minister reiterated the government’s resolve to fight terrorism and extremism, adding they would never submit to terrorism.

He said: “Our fight against terrorism and extremism will continue unless we get rid of this menace.”