Zardari says Pakistan will never give in to terrorists

Islamabad, Apr 8 (ANI): President Asif Ali Zardari today expressed Pakistan's firm commitment to fighting extremism, and vowed to never give in to the militants and extremists.

Talking to a US Congressional delegation led by Senator John Kyl at the Aiwan-e-Sadr, Zardari said the fight against extremism cannot be won only through military means alone.

Zardari said military was only one aspect of the solution and the government has resorted to a strategy of dialogue with reconcilable elements that are willing to give up violence.

He said the international community has also realized the significance of this approach and added that same realization was also reflected in President Barack Obama's review strategy, The News reported.

The delegation comprised members of the US Senate and House of Representative from both Republican and Democratic parties.

Matters relating to new US initiative announced by President Obama to fight militancy and terrorism in the region with focus on Afghanistan and Pakistan came under discussion.

Zardari said Pakistan appreciates the focus of international community on helping Pakistan fight militancy and extremism.

He said Pakistan needs economic assistance to help alleviate poverty besides special police force would be equipped with modern weapons and equipment. This would help fight militants and extremism more efficiently.

Referring to the upcoming meeting of Friends of Democratic Pakistan (FoDP), Zardari said he will soon be going to Tokyo to attend the meeting and he expects generous political and strategic support of the international community to Pakistan. (ANI)