Pakistan, Under Fire, Vows to Defeat Terrorism With U.S.

After meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Tuesday, Pakistan's foreign minister vowed to work with President Obama's administration to "defeat terrorism" and fight extremism in South Asia, AFP reported.Pakistan opens three-way talks with Afghanistan this week as a top U.S. senator proposed the U.S. invest billions of dollars to avoid chaos in Pakistan."Pakistan is willing to work with the American administration to fight extremism and terrorism," AFP quotes Shah Mehmood Qureshi telling reporters during his Clinton meeting at the State Department in Washington. "We are determined to defeat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations."Clinton's response was more reserved as she said she was "very grateful for the minister's advice and counsel" and would consult closely with Pakistan, AFP reported.Pakistan has come under fire recently from the U.S. for its Islamic law deal with Taliban in the Swat Valley, which is perceived as essentially giving extremists free reign in the region.Qureshi described the deal as "a local solution to a local problem, which is quick dispensation of justice.""It is not any appeasement towards militants," AFP quotes the foreign minister. "Pakistan's determination and resolve to defeat terrorism is as sound as it was."