Wednesday, June 15 2005 10:05 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Washington: Brushing aside Pakistan's criticism of being run by a coup leader paying inadequate attention to nuclear proliferation, US Assistant Secretary of State for South Asia, Christina Rocca has said that Islamabad has taken the necessary steps to make their country a key ally in the war on terrorism.

"Over the past three years, Pakistan's leaders have taken the steps necessary to make their country a key ally in the war on terrorism and to set it on the path to becoming a modern, prosperous democratic State," Rocca told the International Relations Committee Subcommittee for Asia and the Pacific.

"As a result of forward thinking and acting," she said, "Pakistan is now headed in the right direction."

She said she expects Pakistan's 2005 local and 2007 general elections to be "free and fair throughout the entire process".

Pointing out that the Bush Administration has announced, "We intend to move forward with the sale of F-16 fighter aircraft to Pakistan," she said, "The sale meets Pakistan's legitimate defence needs, making Pakistan more secure without upsetting the current regional military balance."

As a result, it will be easier for Pakistan to take the steps necessary to build a lasting peace with all its neighbours."