Acknowledging Pakistan's critical contribution to counter terrorism over last several years, a senior US official hailed Pakistan as an indispensable ally in the fight against terrorism.
Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, Nicholas Burns told the powerful Senate Foreign Relations Committee at a hearing that Pakistan is one of United States closest partners. He also reaffirmed US confidence in President Pervez Musharraf's commitment to fight terrorism. However, he observed that last year's peace agreement in the tribal region did not deliver the desired results. Burns described security along Pakistan-Afghanistan as one of the most important challenges.
"We need to have successful American engagement with Pakistan, one of our closest partners globally," he said. He also noted sacrifices rendered by Pakistani security in the war on terror. He reiterated US commitment to have long-term relationship with Pakistan and spoke of continued economic and military assistance. The two countries have developed their ties in wide-ranging areas in recent years.
Commenting on views expressed by the US lawmakers, Burs expressed the US desire for free, and fair and transparent elections in the country and added Washington supports President Musharraf's pledge to continue democratic progress in Pakistan.
The State Department official said the United States would extend economic assistance to Pakistan for implementation of the South Asian ally's plans for development of the Federally administered tribal areas.
In this context, he referred to the initiative of Reconstruction Opportunity Zones and sought congressional support for enactment of legislation towards facilitating creation of these zones.
In his opening statement, Senator John Kerry observed that Pakistanis have rendered valuable sacrifices in the fight against terror and the US should not do anything that causes a rupture in the relationship. Top Republican Senator Richard Lugar described America's relations with Pakistan as very important. He called for continued US assistance for Pakistan.