Pakistan and Afghanistan Vow to Fight Terrorism Together


After Tuesday's inauguration, Asif Ali Zardari and visiting Afghan President Hamid Karzai pledged to work together to fight terrorism in their two countries.

While addressing a press conference, Karzai warned that civilians' lives should be well protected from terrorism attacks and any accidental casualties caused by NATO forces.

"We cannot tolerate civilian casualties - not even one. Therefore, the right mechanism has to be established, foolproof to avoid civilian casualties, in Pakistan and in Afghanistan, in whatever manner we can do it."

He stressed that a "broader, deeper understanding" between the two countries was needed first, followed by assistance and participation from the international community.

Earlier on Tuesday, a weapon malfunction caused a NATO bomb to miss its target and hit a house, killing two Afghan civilians and injuring 10 others.

Meanwhile, Afghan and UN officials say some 90 civilians were killed in a US special forces operation in the village of Azizabad on the 22nd of August.

For his part, Zardari said Pakistan is also a victim of terrorism and the government has a comprehensive plan for fighting back.

Pakistani-Afghan relations have been strained over the anti-terrorism issue. Afghan officials had accused Pakistan of not doing enough to stop militants entering Afghanistan through their borders.