Pak militants threat to its neighbours, says US

The US said it was encouraging forces working for a moderate Pakistan, besides helping Islamabad check violent extremists operating in its territory that were as much a threat to it as to its neighbours.

“Pakistan is undergoing a political transition. There are a number of positive developments, in terms of moderate forces within the Pakistani political system working for a moderate Pakistan. That is something we have encouraged,” State Department spokesman Sean McCormack said.

“It’s well-known that Pakistan faces a threat from violent extremists operating on its own territory,” he said, adding, “It’s as much a threat to Pakistan as, to say, the US or Pakistan’s neighbours.”