U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates met Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani here Tuesday and discussed with him security situation in Pakistan along its Afghan border, the Associated Press of Pakistan reported. The two leaders discussed challenges in the wake of terrorism and extremism in tribal areas of Pakistan, and the steps required to be taken in this regard. The U.S Defense Secretary renewed Washington's commitment to a “long-term, broad-based and stable relationship” with Pakistan. Prime Minister Gilani said Pakistan was making every possible effort for counterterrorism and ensuring stability and peace in the region. He said Pakistan was pursuing a multifaceted strategy to address the menace of extremism, based on dialogue and development with use of force as the last option against militants.
