Pak’s democratic government supported by US: Clinton

WASHINGTON: The United States (US) not only supports the democratic government of Pakistan but it also is in favour of military offensive against the militants besides making long-term investments in the Pakistani people, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton told Congress on Thursday.We’re supporting the Pakistani military as they take on the extremists who confront their country’s stability,’ she said. ‘We’re making long-term investments in Pakistan’s people and the democratically elected government through targeted humanitarian assistance.’In both Afghanistan and Pakistan, the United States is not only providing substantial financial assistance but also holds their governments accountable for progress toward defined objectives, she said. Secretary Clinton said that in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq, and the Middle East the world faces trans-national threats like terrorism, nuclear proliferation, and climate change. The region’s urgent development needs ranging from extreme poverty to pandemic disease, all of which have a direct impact on America’s security and prosperity and prosperity as well, she said. In Afghanistan and Pakistan, she said, US efforts centre on President Obama’s goal to dismantle, disrupt, and defeat al Qaeda. ‘This requires a balanced approach that takes more than military might alone. So we’re expanding civilian efforts and we’re ensuring that our strategy is fully integrated and adequately resourced,’ she said.