Internal terrorism a big threat to country: Gilani

Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has said that Pakistan is not facing any external threat but the internal terrorism has become a big threat to the country.
"The war on terror should be continued in the larger interest of the nation and it should be fought with full aggression, as our enemy lurks silently within our society", the Prime Minister said while addressing the anti-terrorism programme here on Thursday.
The course exclusively for the women police officials was conducted by the Ministry of Interior in league with US State Department under its Diplomatic Security Services, Anti-Terrorism Assistance Programme on the occasion of passing out ceremony of 13 women police officials of Crisis Response Team.
Pakistan was a frontline state in the war on terror and it was a dire need to confront the worst threats before they emerged, the Prime Minister said, adding that the war on terror could not be won on defensive and the battle should be taken to the doorsteps of the extremists.
He urged every Pakistani to rise to the occasion and do a part in this battle. "It is responsibility of entire society to remain vigilant all the time and try to recognise the enemy", he said, adding: "We have to dig the faceless terrorist out of his hiding, disrupt his plans, and confront the worst threats before they emerge".
Talking on the six-week course, the Prime Minister hoped that training and orientation of the Crisis Response Team, with latest trends, knowledge and equipment would add impetus to their talent.
He said Pakistan had already benefited tremendously from more than 90 courses in various disciplines organised by the US Diplomatic Security Service. He urged the course participants and senior police officials to utilise maximum skills in optimum fashion.
Speaking on the occasion, Advisor to Prime Minister on Interior Rehman Malik said that Pakistan was committed to pursue war against terror. He said safe, secure and stable Pakistan and Afghanistan were necessary for safe world.
US Ambassador Anne W. Patterson, speaking on the occasion, said the United States considered Pakistan as its strong ally in war against terrorism and extremism, and was ready to work in close collaboration with the new democratic government. She said the US would continue to train Pakistani security agencies under its anti-terrorism programme.