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Pakistan calls for regional co-op to combat terrorism

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-11-02 21:14

KUALA LUMPUR: Pakistan called here on Monday for regional cooperation to eliminate terrorists as it is unable to do it on its own.

Pakistani Foreign Affairs Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi made this remark after the 12th Session of the Eight Developing Islamic Countries (D8) Council of Ministers ended here.

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He said that the terrorists had been obtaining money through various illegal activities such as drug smuggling to finance their activities that could not be curbed by Pakistan alone.

Qureshi stressed that Pakistan was committed to fighting terrorism since retaliation carried out by the terrorists had claimed lives of many innocent, especially women and children.

The terrorists' attacks also affected the well-being of the country's economy and civilians.

When asked about the approaches Pakistan embarked on to fight terrorism, Qureshi said a multi-pronged measure should be taken.

He explained that this included ensuring economic development to narrow the gaps between various communities and bringing stability to the country.

A "3D" approach covering the aspects of "dialogue, development, deterrence" would also be adopted, added Qureshi.

He said that there was a relationship between extremism and poverty and therefore providing economic stability to a country was also an essence to fight terrorism.