Washington: The US is addressing Pakistan`s concerns regarding its civilian and military needs, a top Obama administration official has said, but added it is not sure about Islamabad`s request of a civilian nuclear deal on line of that with India.
"I don`t know," the Assistant Secretary of State for Public Affairs, PJ Crowley, told reporters when asked about the recent statement of the Pakistani Ambassador to the US,
Hussain Haqqani, in Lahore last week in which he demanded a civilian nuclear deal with the US on the lines of that with India.
Haqqani in his speech also sought more military aid from the US claiming that this would balance the power in South Asia.
"Well, and in fact, we are addressing them (Pakistan`s concerns) specifically. We have a significant military relationship and provide security assistance, but we have restructured the nature of our assistance so that more of it is civilian in nature, particular emphasis on energy and the delivery of electricity," Crowley said.
"Perhaps it`s time to get our energy czar back down here to talk about where that has progressed," he said.
"But, in fact we have a different balance than we have in the past in terms of making sure that not only can we help Pakistan meet its security needs, but more importantly, we`re helping the Government of Pakistan with the delivery of services so that we can improve the lives of the average Pakistani citizen, and in doing so in all parts of Pakistan.”
“That is going to be, in the long term, the best way to combat extremism," Crowley said.
PTI
