Islamabad, Aug 18 - In a bid to prevent terrorist attacks on foreigners, the Pakistani government has decreed that foreign nationals need police clearance before they can rent houses in this federal capital and in the four provincial capitals.

The measure is already in force in Islamabad and would be extended in phases to the provincial capitals of Lahore, Peshawar, Quetta and Karachi, Online news agency reported Tuesday, quoting sources.

The police would provide no objection certificates on behalf of landlords and strict

action would be taken against violators, they said.

The sources pointed out that several NGOs and some foreigners working in multinational companies have taken houses on rent in populated areas of the North West Frontier Province (NWFP) capital Peshawar.

The sources said officials feared that terrorist elements might take action

against these people. Thus, property dealers throughout the NWFP have been directed to collect details of diplomats and foreigners working in multinational companies before giving houses on rent.