The summit of Pakistan's ruling coalition partners Wednesday reached a consensus that the situation facing the country warrants the evolution of a long-term policy across the board with the support of all political partners.

The ruling coalition partners held a meeting in Islamabad and it was agreed that Pakistan's national security and internal stability was paramount and no one would be allowed to challenge the writ of the state, the News Network International news agency reported.

It was also agreed in principle that in order to mobilize public support for greater national consensus on Pakistan's battle against extremism and militancy, parliament will discuss the formulation of a national policy to address the situation.

The coalition partners also reiterated that Pakistan's territory would not be used for terrorist attacks, nor would attacks from external forces on Pakistan's soil be tolerated.

The meeting was attended by Pakistan People's Party Co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz President Shahbaz Sharif and other political leaders and senior government officials.

(Xinhua News Agency July 24, 2008)