Nation stands united against militants: President Zardari

[Waqas 48]

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari Tuesday said the entire nation fully supported the ongoing operation against the militants and terrorists as it wanted peace and progress in the country.

Talking to Canadian National Defence Minister Peter Mackay at the Aiwan-e-Sadr the President reiterated Pakistan''s commitment to fight militancy in the region and said the government would establish and maintain the writ of the state at all costs.

The President also discussed matters pertaining to the regional security situation, Pakistan''s efforts to fight militancy and extremism and relief efforts for rehabilitation of IDPs of Malakand division.

Defence Minister Chaudhry Ahmad Mukhtar, Interior Minister Senator Rehman Malik, Secretary General to President Salman Faruqui and Canadian High Commissioner to Pakistan Randolph Mank were also present.

The President said fight against militants now had political ownership and the nation was united to defeat the militants.

He said Pakistan was facing the consequences of an international drive against the former Soviet Union in Afghanistan and the international community should help Pakistan in countering the menace.

He also pointed the need for international assistance in rehabilitation of internal refugees who have been displaced from their homes.

The president said government was determined to ensure the welfare and rehabilitation of the displaced people and all efforts were underway for the relief and rehabilitation with the active support of general public and the donors.

Canadian Defence Minister expressed complete solidarity and support to Pakistan in this difficult hour and said, "We desire to do even more in this fight against militancy".

He said Canada would extend all possible help in providing immediate relief to the IDPs by building schools, water supply schemes and basic health units. He also assured that Canada would continue to support Pakistan at the forum of the Friends of Democratic Pakistan.