Taliban biggest threat to world: Zardari

Pakistan President, Asif Ali Zardari

President Zardari to a question about NATO’s apprehensions on action against Taliban in Pakistan’s north said it was the dictatorship that they had issues with and not the democratically elected government of Pakistan.

BRUSSELS, June 17: President Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday said that Taliban are biggest threat not only to Pakistan but the whole world.“Taliban are not only threat to Pakistan but the whole world.  Taliban will always be a threat to the world,” he told reporters after addressing the NATO Council.“It is just that their hot bed is between Afghanistan and Pakistan,” the President said.

He said the war against Taliban has just started. “Democracy has given the ownership and is fighting the war.”

He said the government, the army, the people and the nation is determined to fight the war.

“Defeat is not an option for us,” he added.

About his talks with NATO, he said it was constructive dialogue and Pakistan intends to be in partnership with them.

Replying to a question about his expectations from the European Union, the president said that he has always been an optimistic person and has worked his way from gallows to the Presidency.

“I am always hopeful. I intend to engage them and ask them what I need. I need trade not aid.”

President Zardari to a question about NATO’s apprehensions on action against Taliban in Pakistan’s north said it was the dictatorship that they had issues with and not the democratically elected government of Pakistan.

“We want to win the war and the hearts and minds of the people.”

Replying to a question about relations with India with particular reference to Kashmir issue, he said democracy could play a positive role in this regard and bring the two countries closer together.

He said Kashmir issue is as old as the country and for its peaceful settlement, Pakistan will engage India in dialogue for its amicable resolution. (APP)