Zardari asks Rehman to aid in talks between Pak Taliban and government

Lahore, Jan 21 (ANI): President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani have asked Fazlur Rehman to aid in talks between the government and the Pakistan Taliban.

he leaders discussed national and regional security and "other important matters" during the meeting on Tuesday at the President's House, which also included Interior Adviser Rehman Malik.

"Force is being used as a last option," a private TV channel quoted Zardari, as saying

Fazl, the chief of his own faction of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam, had denied he was assigned such a task, but said he would play his part in the peace efforts if the responsibility is given to him.

Zardari promised to establish the writ of the state in Swat, and said his government would protect the rights of women and children, the Daily Times reported.

Sources privy to the meeting said that Zardari underscored the importance of women's education in Islam, and said the Taliban would not be allowed to impose their extremist views on the population of the restive valley. (ANI)