April 08, 2008	Tuesday	Rabi-us-Sani 1, 1429

ISLAMABAD, April 7: Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani said on Monday that Pakistan under the new democratic government would adopt a multi-dimensional strategy to combat terrorism and extremism.

He was talking to Australian High Commissioner in Pakistan Zorica McCarthy who had called on him at the Prime Minister’s House.

Ms McCarthy lauded Pakistan’s role in the war against terrorism and extended her government’s full support in this respect, an official handout said.

She said her government was interested in soft projects in Fata, besides extending cooperation to other sectors, including health, education and agriculture. She invited Prime Minister Gilani to visit Australia.

The prime minister praised the Australian government’s help during the earthquake and floods and welcomed its desire to work on soft projects in Fata and cooperation in education, health and agriculture sectors.

He said the government was working on various initiatives, both short- and long-term, to address the issue of terrorism effectively. “The world community should focus on the root cause of extremism which drives its strength from socio-economic deprivation and unresolved political dispute.”

The prime minister said that a holistic approach was required to launch infrastructure development and better health and education facilities to provide economic opportunities to the youth in areas bordering Afghanistan.

Chairman Joint Chief of Staff Committee General Tariq Majeed also called on the prime minister. He apprised Mr Gilani of his recent visit to Jordan and updated him on the ongoing upgradation programmes in the defence sector.

The prime minister said the government was committed to maintaining minimum credible defence through conventional and strategic capabilities as Pakistan had a major role to play for peace and stability in the region.