Washington: The United States has allocated its anti-terror ally Pakistan $ 700 million from its International Affairs Budget for the fiscal 2005, to help boost the country's security and economy.

The funding under the Budget, which will come into effect on October 1, 2004 includes a multi-year educational support programme, Secretary of State Colin Powell told the House International Relations Committee yesterday (Feb 11, 2004).

Powell briefed the Committee how far Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf has come along supporting US goals since the 9/11 terrorist attacks in New York and Washington.

Pakistan and Musharraf had been supporters of Taliban, Powell said adding the Pakistan President reversed the course after he (Powell) spoke to Musharraf soon after 9/11.

"And since then, Pakistan has apprehended more than 500 al Qaeda terrorists and members of the Taliban through the leadership of Musharraf. There are also stronger border security measures and law enforcement cooperation throughout the country."

Powell said Musharraf has assured him full cooperation in ripping up the proliferation network built by Pakistani scientist A Q Khan and his associates.