Victory against Taliban only option available in Swat: Zardari

Islamabad, May 21 (ANI): Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari has reiterated his pledge to defeat the Taliban, saying victory against the extremists is the only option available in the in Swat and Malakand regions of the North West Frontier Province (NWFP).

"Defeat is no option. We must win the fight and we will," Zardari said.

Addressing a high level meeting here, Zardari said security forces would certainly ensure that the Taliban and other extremists are rooted out from the region and would restore peace in the valley.

Announcing an aid of eight billion rupees for carrying out relief operations for the thousands of displaced people, Zardari said Pakistan need greater support and assistance from the international community.

Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, who was also present in the meeting, said that the operation against the Taliban is fully backed by the country.

"The war against the Taliban was fully endorsed by the people, and parliament, political parties, cabinet and religious leaders were all standing by the government and the security forces," The Daily Times quoted Gilani, as saying.

Gilani, however, said the use of force was not the final solution to the problem.

"The government would pursue its relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction policy in the region," he added. (ANI)