Musharraf vows to fight extremists

"I appeal to the nation to reject the retrogressive elements politically and socially as they are opposed to progress," said Mush-arraf, who has launched a campaign against religious militancy and terrorism.
"The nation should reject elements who want to drag Pakistan into darkness," he said in a message on state television.
Security was tightened across the country for fear of a backlash over a recent crackdown against suspected militants.
Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz unfurled the national flag in Islamabad's main Convention Centre rather than the usual outdoor venue outside parliament.
"Security has been beefed up in all four provinces to thwart any untoward situation during Independence Day celebrations," a security official told AFP.
"There is no specific threat in the country and the security forces are already on high alert following a crackdown against extremist elements."
Police set up checkpoints and vehicles were checked at key intersections while hospitals, firefighters and emergency services were put on alert.
Musharraf, a key ally in the US-led "war on terror", last month ordered a crackdown against extremists and security forces netted more than 800 suspected militants in raids across the country.
He has also promised to expel some 1,400 foreign students from madrasas (Islamic seminaries), sparking widespread anger.
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