Islamabad: Top US diplomat Richard Boucher has lauded the efforts of the Pakistan armed forces to clear the restive areas in the NWFP and the tribal belt along the border with Afghanistan of Taliban and al-Qaeda militants.

Boucher, the Assistant Secretary of State, who held a series of meetings, including with President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani among others said Pakistan was showing resolve to combat the threat from militants.

Boucher s visit here comes amid strains between Washington and Islamabad over suspected American air strikes on militant targets in Pakistani territory.

The strikes, which American officials in Pakistan and Afghanistan rarely confirm or deny has angered Pakistan s new leaders, who feel it will fan feelings in the region.

The diplomat also visited the NWFP and met governor Owais Ahmed Ghani yesterday. His visit comes as Pakistani forces used fighter jets and artillery to target militant strongholds in Bajaur and Swat valley tribal belt, killing six of them.

Pakistan has launched a major offensive since August against militants all along the border with Afghanistan and it claims to have killed more than 1000 militants in the operations.

Boucher said it was good that Pakistan is taking "serious military action".

He also called on Premier Gilani this morning and discussed the political and security situation in Pakistan. Gilani briefed him on the measures adopted to establish the writ of the government in the tribal areas, sources said.
Source : PTI