Pak should shift focus to its western border: Gates

Visiting US Defence Secretary Robert Gates has said Pakistan should commit itself to a greater role in its western border. He made these remarks during an interview with state-run Pakistan Television while responding to questions on why US believes Islamabad should commit itself to a greater role on its western borders.

Well,I think8230; because it faces,in its own way,an existential threat on its western border, Gates said. Asked if there was no threat to Pakistan on the eastern border with India,Gates replied: I said we understood Pakistans legitimate concerns. It also has an existential threat on its western border,and that is the more immediate threat.

Meanwhile,Pakistans Foreign Ministry spokesperson Abdul Basit said that the government is reaching out to all levels of the Afghan Taliban in a bid to encourage reconciliation in its war-torn neighbour. We are trying to reach out to them at all levels and all of us would like that our efforts should bring some results but at this point in time it is very difficult to say, he said of Pakistans efforts.