With Afghan President Hamid Karzai by his side in his maiden news conference, Pakistan’s new President Asif Ali Zardari pledged to eliminate terrorism but remained non-committal on most of substantive domestic issues, including presidential powers, restoration of judges and retaining PPP office. On India-Pakistan relations and Kashmir, Zardari promised “some good news” before India goes for fresh elections, but did not elaborate.

Zardari said he had discussed these issues with PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif and taken other political leaders into confidence. He said a parliamentary caucus would be in place by the end of this month to deal with the Kashmir issue.

On combating terrorism and militancy, he told Karazi: “Pakistan intends to work not only with Afghanistan but with all neighboring countries.”

Responding to a question on food shortages and rising pricess, Zardari said he was fully aware of challenges facing Pakistan and that he had advised the government to minimise the gap between demand and supply.

As regards terrorism, he said government had chalked out a strategy to combat the menace effectively. Highlighting Pakistan’s close ties with China, Zardari said he would first visit China to express good wishes on behalf of the people of Pakistan. Speaking on the occasion, Afghan President Hamid Karzai said he discussed issues at length with Zardari, particularly on war against terrorism.

“It is an issue of importance for both countries, it is about fighting the menace in the right manner. I find in President Zardari a good will and vision not only for relations between the two countries but for the entire region,” Karzai said.