ISLAMABAD President Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday underlined the importance of non-military ways including economic and political measures in what he termed as multidimensional war against terrorism to defeat philosophy of extremism. He was talking to a US congressional delegation led by Senator Mark Udall at the Presidency when he said that the battle against militancy was multidimensional and use of military force was only one component of it. The other components namely economically empowering the people of tribal areas and waging an intellectual battle against militant philosophy are even more important in many ways, the President told the US Senators. Presidents Spokesperson Farhatullah Babar said that the meeting discussed matters relating to Pak-US bilateral relations, mutual cooperation, fight against militancy and security situation in the region. According to the President, the Pakhtoons of tribal areas and Pakhtunkhwa were tenacious fighters but they were also enterprising entrepreneurs. The international community needs to provide economic opportunities to the war-ravaged people and bolster indigenous capabilities to confront militancy, he added. The President underscored the need for early adoption of ROZ legislation and asked the visiting US Senators to use their influence in the Senate for crossing the hurdles in the way of this legislation, which he described as critical to the economic empowerment of the people. The President also reiterated that increasing drone attacks were turning to become counterproductive because of issues of sovereignty were involved in it. He said that drones would be far more effective and acceptable to the people if these were flown and operated by Pakistans forces under Pakistani flag. He said that there was a need to enhance trust, cooperation and coordination at the strategic, policy and operational planes. Appreciating US support for security, progress and prosperity of Pakistan, the President said that the recent gestures of the US government and people for the flood-affected people would contribute towards improving US perception of the public and mitigating trust deficit. He said that the recent devastations caused by the floods had adversely impacted economic development of the country owing to heavy expenditures on relief efforts. Thus, the international assistance is much needed not only to support countrys economy but also not to let financial constraints impact fight against militancy, he added. The President appreciated US support for securing enhanced market access in European Union and emphasised on US support for Pakistans case at WTO. The President also emphasised on early reimbursement of CSF arrears, saying that this was more crucial in wake of recent massive flooding that had caused financial crunch. Discussing regional situation, the President said that Pakistan had abiding interest in a stable, peaceful and prosperous Afghanistan and it firmly believed in neutrality and non-interference in internal affairs of the country. However, the President said, We would continue to support all efforts for promoting sustainable peace, stability and development in Afghanistan. The President said that Pakistan believed that political approach and not military approach alone supported by economic development was vital for bringing stability to Afghanistan. Equally important is capacity building of the Afghan institutions and forces, he said.