The SAARC summit concentrates on local terrorism
Updated
South Asian leaders have opened a summit in Sri Lanka's capital, Colombo demanding strong action to stop terrorism.
Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai warned the opening session, terrorism in the region has institutional support, particularly in Pakistan.
He says in Pakistan, terrorism and its sanctuaries are gaining a deeper grip, as demonstrated by the tragic assassination of Benazir Bhutto.
Mr Karzai called for collective action to wipe out terrorism in the region and safeguard the lives of future generations.
Last month he blamed Pakistan's intelligence service for a deadly suicide attack on the Indian embassy in Kabul that killed 60 people -- a charge Islamabad has denied.
SAARC is made up of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
The meeting, being held under unprecedented security with nearly 20,000 police and troops deployed to guard delegates.
