Islamabad, Apr.30 Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari has urged citizens of the country to support the security forces in the fight against the Taliban and other extremists groups in Buner, Maidan and the Swat regions of the North West Frontier Province (NWFP).

The military operation against the Taliban in the Swat Valley was critical for the protection of the country's Constitution, Zardari said.

"The nation is facing a "critical hour" in its fight against Islamic militants linked to Al-Qaeda," The Nation quoted Zardari, as saying.

Earlier, Zardari had urged political leaders to unite as a force to support the defense personnel engaged against the extremists.

"Time has come for the entire nation to give pause to their political differences and rise to the occasion and give full support to our security forces," Zardari said.

"This is the only way to demonstrate our will, to keep Pakistan as a moderate, modern and democratic state where the rights of all citizens are protected," he added. (ANI)