Pakistan seeks militancy 'debate'

The Pakistani government has said it aims to create greater national consensus to fight Islamic militancy.

Minister Sherry Rehman said a parliamentary debate would be held to work out a strategy to build consensus.

She was speaking after senior members of Pakistan's governing coalition met to discuss the growing challenge posed by militants.

Some in the US and Afghanistan have accused the Pakistani government of not doing enough to confront militants.

The political leaders met in Islamabad on Wednesday, days before Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani's first visit to the United States.

Ms Rehman, who is the federal information minister, said the main thrust would be to talk to people in the tribal regions, rather than military means.

"The coalition partners reiterated that Pakistan's territory will not be used for terrorist attacks nor will attacks from external forces on our soil be tolerated," she told reporters.

"The meeting noted that Pakistan's national security and internal stability is paramount and no one would be allowed to challenge the writ of the state."

Earlier this month, US Secretary of Defence Robert Gates said he was considering sending additional troops to Afghanistan to counter the flow of insurgents from Pakistan.

Also, a bipartisan bill was introduced in Congress, proposing to triple US humanitarian aid to Pakistan in order to boost civilian ties and move away from the more traditional military-to-military ties between the two allies.

The moves are also in response to growing US frustration with what it sees as Pakistan's lack of action against the pro-Taleban militants operating along the border with Afghanistan.

The US is also concerned about peace deals that Islamabad has been signing with some of the radical groups in the Federally Administrated Tribal Areas.