Pakistan a 'strategic priority', says Clinton

Stressing that it is important to help Pakistan and ensure Washington’s success in Afghanistan, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has said the relationship with Islamabad is a ‘strategic priority’.

Testifying before the Senate’s Appropriations Subcommittee, Clinton said US efforts in Pakistan were vital for the success of international forces led by America in Afghanistan against the Taliban, Al-Qaeda and other extremist outfits.

“In Pakistan, our efforts are vital to success in Afghanistan, but also to our own American security. We’ve made it a strategic priority to strengthen our partnership with the Pakistani people,” The Dawn quoted Clinton, as saying.

Clinton said she was aware of the fact that victory against extremists in Pakistan-Afghanistan region would not come quickly.