Zardari asks world for Marshall plan for Pakistan to support its war on terror

Lahore, Jan. 18 (ANI): Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari has urged the international community to provide Pakistan with more resources so that the country can fight the war on terror more successfully.

"We have to persuade the world to give us the resources to take on the monster of terrorism," the Daily Times quoted Zardari, as saying.

"Time and again, I have asked the world for a Marshall plan for Pakistan, like the one they had for Europe. Yes, they have not agreed as yet. I can promise you that one day, they will realise that the route of all wars in Afghanistan goes through Pakistan," he added.

Addressing a reception at Lahore at Governor's House, he said:"There is natural instinct in the nation of Pakistan to turn the odds in their favour ... it has been demonstrated by the people and political forces, including the Pakistan People's Party and Pakistan Muslim League, that they turn their weaknesses into strengths."

He said this century would "belong to Asia" and the world was looking towards Pakistan.

Zardari added that the war on terror has the total support of the people of Pakistan.

"We stand together against terrorists who want to change our way of life. We have come this far through political maturity. I congratulate the prime minister, parliament, the leader of the opposition and all political forces over the political ownership of the war," he said. (ANI)