Extremism in Pak direct threat to US security: Clinton

Lahore, Feb.18 (ANI): Alarmed by the recent upsurge in militant activities in Pakistan and other countries of the region, US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, has said that extremists not only pose threat to Pakistan, but it also is a major concern for the United States.

"Activity by the extremist elements in Pakistan poses a direct threat to the government of Pakistan as well as to the security of the US, Afghanistan and a number of other nations beyond the immediate region," The Daily Times quoted Clinton, as saying.

Hillary said that the Obama administration is taking every necessary step needed to root out terrorism from the region.

She said that the new strategy being charted out for the region, by the US against militancy would ensure a balance between defence, diplomacy and development.

"We do talk about the three Ds defence, diplomacy, development," Hillary said, adding: "We happen to think they go together. If one gets out of proportion to the others, our policies and our role in the world gets a little out of balance."

Commenting on the accord signed between the Pakistan Government and the Taliban to implement 'sharia' law in the Swat Valley, Hillary said Washington is trying to establish Islamabad's 'intention and the actual agreed-upon language'.

Meanwhile, a statement issued by the US State Department while reacting to inking of the new law, said Pakistan's Constitution has a provision for such laws.

"As I understand, Islamic law is within the constitutional framework of Pakistan, so I don't know that is particularly an issue for anyone outside of Pakistan to discuss," State Department spokesperson, Gordon K Duguid said. (ANI)