ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari said Pakistan’s fight against terrorism must also confront extremism, intolerance and hatred that allow violence to take root.
In a message for the International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism, Zardari paid tribute to those killed and expressed solidarity with survivors and their families.
He said Pakistan had lost tens of thousands of people during more than two decades of fighting terrorism. Those killed included children, political leaders, Armed Forces personnel, law enforcement officials and public servants.
Zardari specifically recalled former prime minister Benazir Bhutto and the children and teachers killed in the Army Public School Peshawar attack.
Meanwhile, he said citizens and security personnel continued to make sacrifices, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.
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The president called on the international community to ensure that no territory provides sanctuary, financing, weapons or logistical support to terrorist organisations.
He also urged sustained medical, psychosocial, educational, legal and livelihood support for victims and survivors.
Zardari said technology should be used responsibly to improve access to information, assistance and rehabilitation services.
He added that security measures alone could not defeat terrorism and called for action against discrimination, radicalisation and violent extremism.
The president said Pakistan must build a peaceful, tolerant and pluralistic society while ensuring that victims remain part of the national conscience.
