Zardari urges US to enhance intelligence sharing, increase aid

Islamabad, Feb 3 (ANI): President Asif Ali Zardari has called for increased US aid to Pakistan's ailing economy and to enhance intelligence sharing between the partners in the war on terror, in a meeting with a six-member US congressional delegation.

The president on Monday urged the US Congress to pass the legislations for financial assistance to Pakistan as early as possible, saying the measure would strengthen Pakistan's efforts against terrorism, the Daily Times quoted sources privy to the meeting, as saying.

They said the president also highlighted the issue of US drone attacks inside Pakistani territory and sought the congressional delegation's support for Pakistan's stance that such attacks hinder Islamabad's efforts for broader support against terror.

A statement by the Presidency said that Zardari and the visiting congressmen "discussed bilateral relations and the regional situation".

In a separate meeting with the delegation, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani stressed the need for a strategy focusing on development that addresses the causes of terrorism.

The congressmen said they wanted to work with Pakistan on security as well as economy in a "broad outreach effort".

The delegation consisted of John F Tierney, George Miller, Chris Van Hollen, Chris Welch, Christopher Murphy and Ron Kind. (ANI)