Zardari fears today’s flood orphans will be trained into ‘terrorists of tomorrow’

ISLAMABAD - Echoing the international community’s fears regarding extremists taking advantage of the devastating floods, Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari has expressed concerns over militants adopting flood orphans to train them as terrorists of tomorrow.

Talking to reporters during a joint press conference along with US Senator John Kerry at the Chaklala Air Base after visiting flood-affected areas, Zardari urged the international community to pour funds to prevent ’social unrest’ in the country.

“There is a possibility that the negative forces would exploit the situation. Like they would take the babies who have been made orphans and take them to their camps and train them as the terrorists of tomorrow,” The Daily Times quoted Zardari, as saying.

“I am sending an SOS on that,” he added.

Zardari said the government was trying its best to provide relief to thousands of people affected by the catastrophe, however, he also cautioned people over extremists taking advantage of the situation.

“We are giving them (victims) everything we’ve got. There is a possibility that some negative forces would exploit this situation,” he said.

Speaking during the press conference, Kerry said President Obama is committed to help Pakistan amidst the impending crisis and certainly does not want the negative forces to exploit the situation for their benefit.

“None of us wants to see this crisis provide an opportunity or an excuse for people who want to exploit the misfortune of others for political or ideological purposes. It is important for all of us to work over time to provide the assistance that is necessary… I know that President (Barack) Obama is determined to do that,”Kerry said.(ANI)