Zardari says Pak fighting terrorism for survival

Islamabad, Apr. 7 (ANI): Pakistan is fighting terrorism for its own survival and would not succumb to pressure by militants, Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari has told top US officials.

"Pakistan is fighting a battle for its own survival," the Dawn quoted Zardari as telling Admiral Mike Mullen, the Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Richard Holbrooke, President Obama's Special Envoy for Afghanistan and Pakistan.

"The president said the government would not succumb to any pressure by militants," it added.

Zardari, however, has agreed to conciliate with those who are willing to lay down their arms and respect the state's authority.

Admiral Mullen and Holbrooke discussed regional security issues, the Afghanistan strategy and a recent surge of militancy and extremism in the region with Zardari.

Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani and Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Quresh also attended the meeting.

"Zardari stressed the need for accelerating development of the impoverished tribal areas bordering Afghanistan and said his government was pursuing the 'three Ds' (dialogue, development, deterrence) strategy," the statement said. (ANI)