September 27, 2003	Saturday	Rajab 29, 1424

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NEW YORK, Sept 26: Afghan President Hamid Karzai has said that he wants a “clear and visible” action from Islamabad against the Taliban allegedly hiding in the tribal areas and their Pakistani supporters.

Addressing the Council on Foreign Relations on Friday, President Karzai urged Pakistan to take stern action against those clerics who were preaching hatred. “It is in Pakistan’s own interest, as well as that of Afghanistan, to curb extremism,” he added.

President Karzai demanded more efforts from Pakistan in the war on terror and said: “I want clear, visible action.” He added: “Afghanistan needs strong cooperation from its neighbours, especially Pakistan.”

President Karzai blamed Madressahs inside Pakistan for “breeding extremism”. “I would really want these Madressahs shut down. Pakistan will be better off arresting those Taliban leaders hiding there. I would also want Pakistan to take action against some of its own clerics, those who own and run these Madressahs,” he added.

The Afghan president, however, supported Pakistan’s move to reform the Madressahs. He described it as a step in the right direction but said he was worried that the extremists were strong enough to hurt the “peace process” in the region. “We’re not out of the woods yet,” he added.