Islamabad: Maintaining that Pakistan was fighting terrorism in a "strategic way", both long-term and short-term, President Pervez Musharraf has said efforts should be made to target "brains" behind terror attacks to exterminate the menace.

In an interview to a Turkish daily 'Hurriyet' he categorised terrorists in three groups persons who carry out the attacks, the ones that plan the attacks and the brains behind terrorism.

"If we do not target the brains behind terror, we will not be able to exterminate terrorism," he said adding, "If you get rid of the persons who carry out the attacks, you will be only cutting leaves of a tree. If you get rid of the persons who plan the attacks, then you are only cutting the branches of a tree."

Musharraf, who is on a weeklong holiday in Turkey, said that Pakistan is fighting against terrorism in a "strategic way" both in long-term and in short-term. He said that the long-term strategic perspective covers political consensus, education and fight against poverty.

"In the short term you have to apply military force and eliminate the brains behind terrorism," official APP news agency quoted Musharraf as saying.

The military ruler said Pakistan had not yet made up its mind to send troops to Iraq and a decision depended on will of the Iraqi and Pakistani people.

"We have not yet made any decision regarding sending troops to Iraq. The people of Iraq should decide whether they want troops or not. Furthermore, we also have to take into consideration the will of our people."