Pakistan in sovereignty warning

Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari makes his speech to MPs

Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari has said he will not allow Pakistan's territory to be violated by terrorists or foreign powers fighting them.

The newly elected president vowed instead to "root out terrorism and extremism wherever and whenever they may rear their ugly heads".

This was his first speech to MPs since he replaced Pervez Musharraf in August.

Pakistan has been a key ally of the US in its "war on terror", but relations have become strained over tactics.

In recent months, Pakistan has voiced growing disquiet over US raids targeting militants in its territory, launched from neighbouring Afghanistan.

On Wednesday, at least five people were killed when a US drone fired missiles at a suspected militant target in north-west Pakistan.

Never before in the history of this country has a president given away his powers Asif Ali Zardari

"I ask of the government that it should be firm in its resolve to not allow the use of its soil for carrying out terrorist activities against any foreign country," Mr Zardari told MPs.

"We will not tolerate the violation of our sovereignty and territorial integrity by any power in the name of combating terrorism."

Al-Qaeda and Taleban militants based in Pakistan's north-west tribal region have repeatedly carried out attacks across the border in Afghanistan.

Militants have also carried out waves of attacks in Pakistan in recent years.

Mr Zardari - generally considered pro-American - is expected to meet US President George W Bush during a visit to the United Nations next week.

'Fewer powers'

The Pakistani president, widower of assassinated former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, also urged parliament to "revisit" the right of the president - introduced by Mr Musharraf - to dissolve the assembly and dismiss the government.

"Never before in the history of this country has a president given away his powers," he said, eliciting applause from the chamber.

"Another responsibility rest on your shoulders: this is the removal of the distortions in the constitution made by successive dictators to prolong their rules," he said.

Pakistan returned to full civilian rule last month for the first time since Mr Musharraf came to power in a military coup in 1999.

"Democracy in Pakistan has finally been restored but it is still a tender sapling which needs nurturing before it becomes a great, sheltering tree," said Mr Zardari.

"There are still elements who want to derail it yet once again. With faith in democracy and a national reconciliation as envisioned by Benazir Bhutto, we must remain vigilant against such elements," he warned.