President Zardari calls for collective resolve against terrorism

Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari has thanked global leaders for expressing solidarity with Pakistan over the terrorist incident in Islamabad and called for a collective resolve against terrorism.

In a statement today, he said Pakistan is humbled by the strong and sincere outpouring of support and solidarity from world leaders, governments and international organisations.

Asif Ali Zardari said the messages of sympathy and solidarity have brought comfort to the people of Pakistan and strength to the families who mourn. He said these messages reaffirm that the fight against terrorism and the violent ideology that drives it, is a shared global responsibility and a common struggle for all.

The President said Pakistan has long maintained that terrorism cannot be confronted by a single country in isolation. He observed that Pakistan's experience has shown that when terrorist groups are allowed space, facilitation or impunity beyond national borders, the consequences are borne by innocent civilians all over the world.

In this context, he underlined that certain neighbouring countries have, regrettably, become partners in crime by allowing terrorist elements to operate against Pakistan from their soil while some not only finance them directly but also provide them technical and military means. He said this is a reality that has shaped the regional developments in recent years.

Asif Ali Zardari said Pakistan takes strong exception to the situation in Afghanistan where the Taliban regime has created conditions similar to or worse than pre-9/11, when terror organisations posed threats to global peace ending in the 9/11 tragedy.

He said Pakistan's eastern neighbour is assisting the Taliban regime and threatening not only Pakistan but the regional and global peace.

The President further said Pakistan remains deeply grateful for the compassion and support extended to the country in this difficult hour. He said the solidarity shown by the international community strengthens Pakistan's resolve to continue working with partners for peace, stability and a decisive end to terrorism in all its forms