Islamabad, June 13, SPA -- Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari resolved on Saturday to fight the militants "to the end," saying the country was locked in "a battle for survival." The nation has risen up against the militants who want to impose their agenda with the use of force, Zardari said in a televised address after midnight, according to a report carried by the German news agency "DPA." According to the army, more than 1,400 militants and 120 soldiers have been killed in the operation, which was launched in late April after the Taliban exploited a peace pact to overrun new districts, coming to within 100 kilometres reach of the capital, Islamabad. "Our army, police and other (security) agencies are fightingvaliantly in the battlefield, and the Pakistani nation supportsthem," Zardari said. "I salute their courage." He said a cantonment, or a military camp, would be set up in Swat to ensure durable peace in the former tourist destination, some 140 kilometers north-west of Islamabad. The valley, known for pristine settings and trout streams, hasbeen in the grip of violence since 2007. Zardari also announced an increase in allowance for the militaryofficers and non-commissioned troops. The raise, equivalent to a month's salary, will be immediatelygiven to the security forces involved in the military operations,while it will be applicable to all others from January next year. Zardari said Pakistan had to win the fight against militancy "atevery cost." "Sacrifices offered by the nation will bear fruit and it will be apeople's victory."--SPA www.spa.gov.sa/674007