ISLAMABAD: US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Wednesday urged Pakistan to face up to the potential threat of nuclear-armed terrorists and encouraged the country to join nuclear non-proliferation talks.
Clinton, who arrived in Islamabad on Wednesday for a three-day visit, that Pakistanis had rendered extraordinary sacrifices to stamp out extremism.
Offering sympathy for victims of Wednesday’s terrorist bombing in Peshawar, Clinton pledged US support at a critical point in the country’s history. “Pakistan is in the midst of a struggle against tenacious and brutal extremist groups who kill innocent people and terrorize communities,” she told a news conference at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
“I want you to know this fight is not Pakistan’s alone,” Clinton said. “These extremists are committed to destroying what is dear to us as much as they are committed to destroying that which is dear to you and to all people. So this is our struggle as well.”
This is Clinton’s first visit to Pakistan after assuming the top job at the US State Department.
“My visit is aimed at sending message of all-out support for Pakistani government from the Obama administration,” she said.
Clinton said the Obama administration intends to do more to support Pakistan on a wide range of issues, including economic development, energy generation, education and the environment. “We are turning the page on what has been for the past several years primarily a security, anti-terrorist agenda,” she told reporters traveling with her.
“We want to encourage Pakistan to join with us in the non-proliferation review conference that will be held next spring,” she said. “We want them to work with us on the Fissile Material Cutoff Treaty. We want them to really understand how serious a threat we face.
“We know Al-Qaeda and their related extremist allies are always on the hunt for nuclear material and it doesn’t have to be a lot to create a very damaging explosion with extraordinary psychological and political ramifications,” she said.
Clinton said several civilian investment deals would be announced during her visit as a sign of Washington’s commitment to the country.
She said the US would contribute $125 million to a project to increase Pakistan’s electrical output and improve its energy efficiency.
The US has pledged $7.5 billion in non-military aid to Pakistan over the next five years.
Upon arriving on an overnight flight, Clinton went directly into talks with Qureshi. She met later with President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani. She also planned to see Pakistani Army Chief Gen. Ashfaq Parvez Kayani.
— With input from agencies
