ISLAMABAD, SEPTEMBER 20, SPA -- Pakistan is following a holistic strategy to root out the menace of terrorism on the long-term basis, Pakistan's ambassador to the United States Mahmud Ali Durrani said. "Brute force alone cannot destroy terrorism. Our strategy is holistic, encompassing the use of force, winning hearts and minds and mainstreaming the misguided. We are convinced mere use of brute force will not destroy the menace of terrorism, he said while speaking at ambassadors forum at George Washington University Washington, according to the state-run Associated Press of Pakistan (APP). Durrani called for fostering greater understanding of Pakistani efforts. He counted lack of education and poverty as factors fueling extremism and terrorism and said that an essential element of Islamabad's strategy is increased investment in the two areas. "It is heartening to note that the United States is now supportive of this strategy while the Afghans are planning to open a dialogue with the militant tribesmen. "--MORE www.spa.gov.sa/484232