Pak seeks US help in preventing infiltration from Afghanistan

Pakistan's top leadershipon Friday, asked the US to help prevent infiltration of militants and drug trafficking from Afghanistan and to boost the civilian security apparatus so that it could effectively combat militancy.     

During a meeting with visiting US Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano, President Asif Ali Zardari underlined the need to strengthen the civilian security apparatus in Pakistan for effectively fighting militants.In his talks with Napolitano, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani sought the US administration's support "in working out a permanent solution with the government of Afghanistan to check uncontrolled, illegal crossings, particularly of militants and terrorists, and drug trafficking across the border with Pakistan".      

Gilani said a fence between Pakistan and Afghanistan could be built to stop infiltration and drug trafficking. He also sought the immediate supply of military hardware, including Cobra helicopters, technology transfers and financial aid to build the capacity of law enforcement agencies and their personnel. This would prepare the agencies to control militancy-affected areas after military operations end in Malakand division and the Waziristan tribal region.