Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari has said that extremism cannot pose a threat to the sovereignty of the country, and claimed that the Swat offensive is fully backed by Pakistan's political fraternity.

Zardari said the country's civil society and the political forces would never allow the extremists to carry on their nefarious activities to expand their writ.

Terming the Swat Operation as the "war of Pakistan's existence," Zardari said terrorists must be stopped from entering the Country, as they are a threat to the whole region.

He said it was very necessary to stem the increasing wave of extremism, otherwise it would seriously dent the democratic set-up of the country, The News reports.

"If we did not rise to the occasion on this critical juncture for the effective and complete elimination of militancy, the coming generations would not forgive us," Zardari added.

Referring to the exodus of over three million people in the Swat Valley, who have been force to flee the region due to the military offensive, he said every step would be taken to ensure that the homeless people return to their homes to lead a peaceful life.

He also expressed fears that the displaced may fall a prey to the propaganda of theextremists if not rehabilitated soon.