Islamabad, Nov 18 : The caretaker Pakistan Government in its first cabinet meeting directed Law Minister Syed Afzaal Haider to mull in consultation with the provincial governments the release of political leaders, workers, lawyers, human rights activists and students taken into custody since the proclamation of emergency.

The cabinet passed these orders in its first meeting chaired by Prime Minister Mohammedmian Soomro, said an official statement.

The cabinet also directed Information Minister Nisar A Memon to meet the representatives of print and electronic media for an amicable solution of all their issues.

Soomro said that the basic objective of the interim government was to ensure a conducive atmosphere for holding free, fair and transparent elections in the country.

He said the biggest challenge to the caretaker cabinet was to create a congenial atmosphere for the upcoming election in consultation with all the stakeholders.

Earlier, Interior Secretary Syed Kamal Shah and NWFP Chief Secretary briefed the cabinet about the law and order situation in the country, the Daily Times reported.

Meanwhile, in a statement Information Minister Nisar A Memon said that the federal cabinet expressed concern over the "unwarranted" statements by certain foreign governments and international organizations relating to the country’s political situation and termed it "in conflict with international norms". (ANI)