Pakistan Asks Parties, Clerics To Help Fight Militants

Yousaf Raza Gilani (file photo)

Pakistan's prime minister has called on political parties and religious leaders to help the state and army fight Islamist militants.

Yousaf Raza Gilani, speaking at a meeting of senior provincial and government officials, called for a national conference to formulate a strategy to combat terrorism.

Gilani's call came four days after at least 42 people were killed and 175 wounded when two suicide bombers struck a Sufi shrine in the eastern city of Lahore on July 1.

compiled from agency reports