Welcome united stand

IT is a matter of great relief that on an issue that has been wracking the nation's brains for the framing of a common strategy, the leadership of political parties, though initially divided, has seen the wisdom of adopting a united stand after debating its different aspects for two weeks. Terrorism, a most daunting global challenge of the time in which Pakistan finds itself badly embroiled, cannot be grappled if major political forces in the country were to view it from different perspectives. It cannot at the same time be defeated only by military action. That should be the last resort after saner, peaceful means have failed to establish the writ of the state and restore normal life.