Stressing that it is for Pakistani people to decide about their political future, the United States has taken exception to the notion that it is "stage-managing or telling Pakistanis" how to run their internal affairs.
"I would certainly take exception to the idea that the United States is somehow stage-managing, guiding or otherwise telling Pakistanis how to run their own internal affairs," State Department Deputy Spokesman Tom Casey said.
Responding to a question about reports in the Pakistani media at the daily briefing, he said the decisions on Pakistan's political future are going to be made by Pakistanis.
Casey added that in conversations with Pakistani government officials or opposition leaders, the US conveys the message, as offered freely among friends, that "we share the vision for Pakistan's future that's been laid out by President Musharraf and others, which is Pakistan as a peaceful, democratic, moderate Islamic state and one that works with us to be able to fight extremism and terrorism."
In reply to another question, the spokesman expressed appreciation for Pakistan's counter-terrorism efforts and refused to be drawn into judgement on rating Pakistan's success in confronting terrorists in regions along Afghan border.
He pointed out that historically no government has ever had full authority over the federally administered tribal areas. Casey emphasised the difficult situation in the rugged terrain is "not simply a case of lack of will or lack of desire to confront extremism."
"There is a clear sense that the Government of Pakistan is committed to working with the United States and with other partners to confront extremism," he stated.
He acknowledged the sacrifices Pakistan army has rendered in confronting terrorists in the region. "Certainly, we recognise and respect the fact that the Pakistani military is making real efforts against extremism. And if you look at the number of Pakistani soldiers who have been killed or injured in some of this fighting it's clear that this is a real, live conflict and one that they're actively fighting and actively engaged in." The US, he said, is co-operating with Pakistan in implementing the South Asian ally's plans for socio-economic development in tribal areas.
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