Zardari dismisses possibility of coup in Pak

Dismissing the possibility of a coup in Pakistan, President Asif Ali Zardari has said the situation in the country was too grave to inspire the military for such a move. "I don't think anybody in his right mind will be wanting to take this responsibility. It's only democracy that can carry this yoke," Zardari told a group of foreign journalists in Islamabad.

His comments come as a Mutahiddul Quami Movement chief Altaf Hussain has said his group will support "patriotic" generals if they take "any martial law-type action" against Pakistan's corrupt politicians and feudal lords. Zardari said it will take at least three years to recover from the devastating floods that have engulfed one-fifth of the country and affected more than 20 million people, the Time magazine reported.

He also warned that militants in Pakistan, including those suspected of killing his wife and former premier Benazir Bhutto, are keen to exploit the situation in the wake of floods. He said Pakistan's resolve to fight the militants has not slackened.

"I'm hoping that most of them have drowned also," Zardari said with a slight smile."I also have information that some of their armaments have come down," he was quoted as saying. "I see always such organizations and such people taking advantage of this human crisis. It is again a challenge to not let them take advantage of this human crisis," he said.