ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, at a meeting here on Tuesday, reviewed the Swat peace accord and expressed the hope it would pave way for permanent peace in the country.

Sources in the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) told Dawn the president and the prime minister were of the view that the accord should not be considered a ‘weakness’ of the government because it was signed to restore peace for the benefit of the people of Swat.

While reaction of the international community was mixed, some sections termed the deal a ray of hope for peace in Malakand and subsequently in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata), others described it as a retreat by the government and security forces which had bowed to militants and allowed them to enforce their self-styled Sharia.

The president, in a meeting with the Chinese newsmen, said the government was pursuing a multi-dimensional policy in the war on terror and using economic, political and military options to eliminate extremism and terrorism.

“Pakistan has adopted a three-pronged strategy to combat terrorism,” he said, but added that limited resources were increasing problems for the government.

He said that the gun alone could not win the war on terror. “Maintenance of peace in Fata and the NWFP is the foremost responsibility of the government and providing protection to the people is a challenge,” Mr Zardari said.

In a meeting with Australian Foreign Minister Stephen Smith, President Zardari emphasised the need for broadening bilateral cooperation.

The Australian minister, who had hailed the Swat deal, was informed that the government was committed to fighting terrorism and extremism.

Mr Smith appreciated Pakistan’s role in the fight against terrorism and extremism and for promoting regional peace and stability.