Leave or face elimination: Gen. to foreign militants

elements, who were engaged in terrorist activities in

Pakistan and the world

at large, is in violation of

the country8217;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 Pakistan8217;s National Day yesterday 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 8220;eliminated.8221; 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 country8217;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.

Musharraf8217;s comments came as clashes between foreign militants and Pakistani security forces escalated in recent weeks in the tribal region.