Washington: The US today sought to downplay Pakistan's criticism on its threats of possible strikes against militant bases within its tribal areas, saying it did not mean invading that country and any decision to launch attacks would be done in consultation with allies. "There has been this notion afoot that somehow we are going to invade Pakistan. We retain the option of acting on actionable intelligence, but we also retain the option of working with our allies to do the same," White House spokesman Tony Snow told reporters here.

He said Pakistan is a sovereign government and a "very important player" in the war on terror. "Not only has Pervez Musharraf twice faced direct threats from Al Qaida, the Pakistanis certainly are valued allies. "They have also been taking a lead in moving aggressively into the areas and try to deal with the problems," Snow said. Asked why it took too long for the US to realise that the treaty with Pak tribal leaders were not working, he said that Islamabad had a plan to reach to the tribal leaders but it became clear that it had been "abused by members of the Taliban and Al Qaida to find safe haven".

Pressed on why the US was not going after targets inside Pakistan even after actionable intelligence, Snow replied, "because Pakistan is a sovereign government. And, furthermore, we have made it clear that we will offer whatever assistance, technical and otherwise". "We still maintain our position. We retain the option of acting on actionable intelligence, but we also retain the option of working with our allies to do the same," he added.