UN General Assembly
2009

the causes of deprivation, poverty and illiteracy. We need to adopt dialogue, development and a wise use of force as our strategy. Pakistan has firmly responded to the challenges of extremism and militancy. Democracy has given our people ownership of the fight against terrorism. Today, our nation stands fully united in this struggle. Our law enforcement agencies have, within a short span of time, cleared a large area in Malakand of militants. Of the more than 2.5 million civilians who were forced to leave their homes, about 2 million were hosted by their relatives and friends. I salute the host families. Democracy and political ownership of the war have proved to be the chief weapons in the fight against militancy. In the short span of 10 weeks, most of the internally dislocated have returned to their homes. We are now engaged in rebuilding their lives. Pakistan appreciates the international community’s support and understanding of our efforts. We urge the international community to further reinforce this support. We are determined to eliminate terrorism and