Zardari says action against JuD in national interest

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari has said that the crackdown on the Jamaat-ud-Dawah following the Mumbai attacks was in the national interest and the authorities would take action against any terror suspects according to the country's laws.

During meetings with partners in the ruling coalition led by his Pakistan People's Party, Zardari yesterday said Pakistan wants peace but its desire should not be taken as weakness.

"The government is resolved not to compromise on national integrity and sovereignty," he said. His remarks are in contrast with recent utterances of other Pakistani leaders who have said that the action against Jamaat was being taken following UNSC branding it as a terrorist outfit.

Zardari met separately with delegations of the Awami National Party, Muttahida Qaumi Movement and the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam.

The Jamiat has been very critical of the government's decision to crackdown on the Jamaat-ud-Dawah and its chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman expressed his party's strong reservations over the clampdown "without any evidence", media reports said.

Rehman also said the government should use the path of reconciliation to cope with extremism and terrorism. Zardari told Rehman the government took measures against the Jamaat in the "wider national interest" following the Mumbai attacks but reiterated that Pakistan will act against any terror suspects under its own laws.