ISLAMABAD, Oct 9: President Asif Ali Zardari vowed on Thursday that the government would rid the country of economic crisis and terrorism.

“Pakistan is not going bankrupt and we are not afraid of terrorists because the government vows to wipe out this cancer from society and overcome the economic crisis,” the president said at a cheque distribution ceremony marking the launch of the Benazir Income Support Programme at the President House.

He said strong nations confronted crises with courage. “The people should have faith that the present government has the ability to confront these challenges.”

“We are not afraid of death as we believe that death is guardian of life,” he said while talking about an increase in suicide attacks in the country.

About the present economic situation, the president said: “Pakistan is not a limited company that will go bankrupt. We are negotiating with the international community to address the situation.”

He urged the business community not to pay heed to rumours about the economic fallout.

He admitted that due to the present economic situation there was a sense of depression and despair among people, but said the government was taking measures to address the situation.

Clarifying his remarks about Kashmiri freedom fighters, the president said there was no ambiguity between the position and the philosophy of the PPP and that of the country.

“Those who know the Pakistan People’s Party have no doubt that the party’s position on the Kashmir dispute remains unchanged.”

Mr Zardari described the in-camera joint session of parliament as a positive step towards strengthening democracy and democratic institutions.

Under the programme each of three million poor families will be provided Rs1,000 per month. Widows, handicapped and families who earn less than Rs6,000 per month will be eligible for the programme.