Friday, March 24 2006 18:41 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Islamabad: Amidst escalating violence in the tribal region perpetrated by al-Qaeda and Taliban militants, Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf has said the presence of 'foreign elements' violated the sovereignty of the country and asked them to leave forthwith, failing which they would be 'eliminated.'

The presence of foreign elements, who were engaged in terrorist activities in Pakistan and the world at large, is in violation of the country's sovereignty, he said addressing a convention organised by the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Q, (PML-Q) to commemorate 100 years of the party as well as Pakistan's National Day yesterday (Mar 23 2006) in Lahore.

According to Pakistani security officials, over 400 foreign fighters of al-Qaeda and Taliban were present in the remote Waziristan tribal agency.

Musharraf warned these people to leave the country immediately or they would be 'eliminated.' Those who were supporting terrorism or involved in terrorist activities had no place in the country, he said.

He, however, said he would not permit the militaries of other countries to launch operations against the militants.

Foreign military forces would not be allowed to operate against terrorists on the Pakistani soil as it was the sole responsibility of the country's own forces, he said, urging the people to support the government and the armed forces in combating terrorism and extremism and ensuring peace in the country.

Musharraf's comments came as clashes between foreign militants and Pakistani security forces escalated in recent weeks in the tribal region.