A U.S. delegation headed by Ms. Janet Napolitano, Secretary Homeland Security, called on President Asif Ali Zardari at Aiwan-e-Sadr on July 3, 2009

A U.S. delegation headed by Ms. Janet Napolitano, Secretary Homeland Security, called on President Asif Ali Zardari at Aiwan-e-Sadr on July 3, 2009

ISLAMABAD, July 3 — Pakistan and the United Satates have resolved to strengthen the civilian security apparatus in Pakistan for effectively fighting against militants.

This resolve emerged after an important meeting between President Asif Ali Zardari and the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Janet Napolitano, who called on the President on Friday.

U.S. Ambassador Anne W. Patterson, Interior Minister Rehman Malik, Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir, and other senior U.S. and Pakistani officials were also present in the meeting.

Talking to Janet Napolitano, the President underlined the need for strengthening the civilian security apparatus in Pakistan. The President said that Pakistan needed much more assistance in the civilian security sector and also for the rehabilitation of the internally displaced persons.

The President also expressed the need for setting up Reconstruction Opportunities Zones (ROZs) to provide jobs for people people so as to wean them away from extremists.

The U.S. Secretary of Homeland of Security said that the U.S. administration was conscious of Pakistan’s requirements in the ongoing fight against militancy and was keen to help Pakistan in all ways possible.

Later on Friday, Janet Napolitano held a meeting with Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani. Officials said the two leaders discussed regional security issues.