ISLAMABAD: The country’s political and military leaders reiterated their determination on Wednesday to combat extremism and terrorism with full force and said that no group would be allowed to challenge the writ of the state.

Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani and Chief of Army Staff Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani called on President Asif Ali Zardari and discussed matters relating to the military operation.

They are reported to have observed that the operation in Swat was launched when all efforts to settle the matter in a peaceful manner had failed because of the stubborn attitude of the terrorists who were pursuing their own agenda in the name of Islam.

The meeting expressed satisfaction over the progress made by security forces in Swat where the operation had entered the final phase.

The leaders discussed arrangements for relief and rehabilitation of the people displaced from Malakand and Waziristan.

They agreed that restoration of basic amenities should be a priority in the post-operation strategy.

President Zardari said the fight against militancy and terrorism would end with the elimination of militants and the government would ensure safe and honourable return of the displaced people to their homes.

The army chief separately called on Prime Minister Gilani and briefed him on the Malakand operation.

The prime minister said the nation was proud of its armed forces, particularly of the personnel who had laid down their lives for the nation.