Islamabad, Aug 18 (IANS): Pakistan plans to begin a national de-radicalisation programme to tackle fundamentalism and extremism in the country, authorities said.

This decision was taken at a meeting of the Defence Committee of the Cabinet that was presided by Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, reported Dawn.

"It was decided in the committee that special attention shall be given to a de-radicalisation programme to motivate youth to engage and isolate them from militancy and terrorism and bring them back to peaceful living," said a statement issued after the meeting held here Wednesday.

It added: "We need to clearly identify the threat posed by terrorism, including the underlying factors such as ideological, motivational, funding, weapon supply, training and organisational support for terrorist groups and those aiding and abetting the terrorists."

Pakistan has been hit by a string of terror strikes across the country, specially after the May 2 killing of Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden in Abbottabad.