<p>"As our commanders on the ground will attest, it is critical to our broader strategy that civilian assistance continue in both Afghanistan and Pakistan.<br /><br />"Disengaging now would undermine our military and political efforts and the national security interests of the US," Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said in a statement accompanying a status report on the Af-Pak region which was submitted to Congress.<br /><br />The US civilian aid to Pakistan has come down from USD 1.5 billion in the fiscal 2010 to USD 1.1 billion this year.<br /><br />The "civilian surge" in Afghanistan and Pakistan that President Barack Obama launched in 2009 to accompany the military surge in the war-torn country has helped advance the US goals of defeating al-Qaeda, reversing Taliban's momentum in key areas and bolstering the economy and civil society of both countries, Clinton said.<br /><br />As US troops begin a phased drawdown in Afghanistan under a larger plan for transition, the civilian initiatives in both Afghanistan and Pakistan are assuming new importance, Clinton said.<br /><br />The 23-page 'Status Report: Afghanistan and Pakistan Civilian Engagement' provides a thorough review of US civilian efforts, identifies significant challenges and areas of progress and outlines the way forward.<br /><br />In its report, the State Department acknowledges that America's relationship with Pakistan is not always easy, but the ties are vital to its national security and regional interests.</p>
<p>"As our commanders on the ground will attest, it is critical to our broader strategy that civilian assistance continue in both Afghanistan and Pakistan.<br /><br />"Disengaging now would undermine our military and political efforts and the national security interests of the US," Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said in a statement accompanying a status report on the Af-Pak region which was submitted to Congress.<br /><br />The US civilian aid to Pakistan has come down from USD 1.5 billion in the fiscal 2010 to USD 1.1 billion this year.<br /><br />The "civilian surge" in Afghanistan and Pakistan that President Barack Obama launched in 2009 to accompany the military surge in the war-torn country has helped advance the US goals of defeating al-Qaeda, reversing Taliban's momentum in key areas and bolstering the economy and civil society of both countries, Clinton said.<br /><br />As US troops begin a phased drawdown in Afghanistan under a larger plan for transition, the civilian initiatives in both Afghanistan and Pakistan are assuming new importance, Clinton said.<br /><br />The 23-page 'Status Report: Afghanistan and Pakistan Civilian Engagement' provides a thorough review of US civilian efforts, identifies significant challenges and areas of progress and outlines the way forward.<br /><br />In its report, the State Department acknowledges that America's relationship with Pakistan is not always easy, but the ties are vital to its national security and regional interests.</p>