By SPA
Islamabad : Pakistan backs the U.S.-led campaign against terrorism but a comprehensive approach that includes political solutions is needed to tackle the problem, Pakistan’s new prime minister told U.S. President George W. Bush.
Bush called Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani on Tuesday, hours after President Pervez Musharraf swore him in, Reuters reported.
“Pakistan would continue to fight terrorism in all its forms and manifestations since it is in Pakistan’s own national interest,” Gilani told Bush, according to a government statement obtained on Wednesday.
“However, he said that a comprehensive approach is required in this regard, specially combining a political approach with development programmes,” the government said.
Gilani told Bush Pakistan was committed to maintaining long-term close ties with the United States.
Bush assured Gilani the United States would continue its support for Pakistan and praised it’s role in fighting terrorism, which he said was a threat to both countries, it said.