Islamabad: Praising Pakistan for taking "tough action" against militant groups in its restive tribal areas, a top US diplomat today assured the country of Washington's full support in tackling its economic and security challenges.
"The US will continue its multi-pronged strategy to help Pakistan modernise its army, other institutions and the tribal areas and to bolster the health, education and energy sectors," US Assistant Secretary of State Richard Boucher said today. The visiting diplomat told a news conference in the US embassy here that during his meetings with the Pakistani interlocutors he had learnt that the government is not holding any talks with the militant groups and the military is taking "tough action" against rebels following the failure of peace agreements.
Acknowledging that Pakistan is facing an acute energy problem, Boucher said, "the country has a lot of potential to develop hydropower, coal and other energy resources and the US will provide USD 30 million for the development of its energy sector."
The Pakistan government is determined to take tough decisions to restore fiscal stability and overcome economic problems, he said, adding that the US had announced aid worth USD 110 million to help the country meet its challenges in the food and agriculture sector.
The US will also provide assistance to meet the food and shelter requirements of people displaced by anti-militancy operations in the Bajaur tribal region, he said.
