Pointing out that the constraints of operating in Pakistan's tribal areas "must never be lost sight of", Kayani "re-emphasised that there are no quick fixes in this war".

"Falling for short term gains while ignoring our long term interest is not the right way forward.

"To succeed, the coalition would be required to display strategic patience and help the other side the way they want it rather than adopting a unilateral approach which may be counter productive," he said.

Kayani said a multi-pronged approach, fully supported by the people of Pakistan, would "help us defeat the threat of internal terrorism".

Pakistan's restive tribal areas have witnessed several strikes in recent weeks by pilot-less planes armed with missiles. Besides the air strikes, helicopter-borne US Special Forces recently attacked al-Qaeda militants in South Waziristan the first publicly acknowledged case of American forces having conducted a ground raid on Pakistani soil.

Pakistani has protested against these attacks, describing them as a violation of its sovereignty. It also briefly suspended oil supplies to NATO forces in Afghanistan.

Reports have suggested that the US forces might launch a broader campaign against the Taliban and al-Qaeda inside Pakistan.

Washington has also criticised Islamabad for not doing enough to curb cross-border attacks in Afghanistan by Taliban and al-Qaeda based on the Pakistani soil.