US official says GAO report on Pak terror role is incomplete

Washington, Apr 21 : A US State Department official has described the GAO (General Accounting Office) report, issued last week suggesting that Pakistan was not pulling its weight in the war against extremists in the Tribal Areas bordering Afghanistan, as not portraying a complete picture of the efforts that were underway by concerned US and Pakistani agencies.

He claimed that those who prepared the report did not consult the people involved in the planning process at the US State Department.

"We regret that the General Accounting Office (GAO) investigators never talked to senior people involved in the planning here at the Department of State," the Daily Times quoted him as saying.

However, he acknowledged that some weaknesses identified by the report did exist and it was important to "get our policy right in Pakistan, and especially the FATA region, which is such an important area". "In terms of our strategy itself, we are engaged in a comprehensive effort, with the full co-operation of the Government of Pakistan, to improve the security environment and promote sustainable economic development in the FATA," he added.

He said the US has worked with Pakistan on a plan to help Pakistani civilians strengthen democratic institutions, uphold the rule of law, and reinforce the foundation of a free society, which was constituted by good governance, judicial independence, a free media, open access to health and education, employment opportunities, and social justice.

The official said the US has also put significant effort into a US security development plan, which the GAO report does not reflect.

ANI