Taliban wants 'new world order', says Zardari

With the Taliban becoming emboldened in Pakistan, president Asif Ali Zardari has described them as the "biggest challenge" of the 21st century and warned that they are trying to create a "new world order"

"It is not a short-term affair, it is a long-term affair. It is challenging our way of life, they are trying to create a new world order," Zardari, who is here on a two-day visit, said while referring to the threat from Taliban.

"It (the Taliban) is the biggest challenge of the 21st century," the Pakistan president told newsmen here on Wednesday night.

He also dismissed as incorrect a BBC survey which suggested that only 38 per cent of Pakistan's North West Frontier Province is under government control.

Zardari's comments came after his meetings with British prime minister Gordon Brown, Foreign secretary David Miliband, opposition Conservative party leader David Cameron and Shadow Foreign secretary William Hague.

The latest situation in the fight between the Taliban and the Pakistani army figured in his talks with the British leaders.

Official sources said Zardari hoped the international community would continue to provide assistance to Pakistan in its endeavour to confront challenges of violent extremism and terror, strengthening the capability of law enforcing agencies and resurrecting the national economy and the rehabilitation of the internally displaced persons. 

The Pakistan president, who will head to Paris from here, is also scheduled to meet British Secretary for International Development Douglas Alexander. In Paris, Zardari is to hold talks with French president Nicolas Sarkozy on Friday.

Foreign secretary Miliband, who on Monday met Zardari in New York, expressed British government's support for the policies pursued by Pakistan in meeting the challenges confronting Islamabad.

During his meeting with Cameron here, Zardari condoled the recent demise of the British opposition leader's young son.

The president also informed Cameron of the current situation in Swat and other areas where the Pakistan army is battling the Taliban militants.

Zardari told Cameron that the military action has been taken after Taliban violated the peace deal and attempted to spread their influence.

He said Pakistani Parliament had unanimously approved the resolution supporting the deal designed to bring peace in the area. Zardari told newsmen "we have followed a 3-D approach -- Dialogue, Deterrent and Development."