WASHINGTON: Admiral Mike Mullen, Chairman Joint Chiefs Staff has called for fostering a sustained U.S. relationship with anti-terror ally Pakistan as he said Washington has obligation toward security of the region it abandoned two decades ago.

The top U.S. military officer expressed his appreciation for Pakistan’s response to the serious terrorist threat and said the Pakistani leadership, military and its people recongize the militant threat to their country.

Speaking at the National Press Club, he acknowledged the fact that Pakistan has deployed 30,000 troops to confront terrorists in their South Waziristan stronghold on the western Afghan border but also underlined the toughness of the challenge in the difficult mountainous terrain.

“It’s a very tough fight; they are going into the heart of enemy territory right now. And I think it’s going to continue to be a very tough fight, but he (COAS) clearly, and the leadership, recognizes the seriousness of the situation.

“And if you just look at the bombings that have occurred in the last couple of weeks—and more and more Pakistani citizens who are getting killed—and I think they are responding in recognition of the seriousness of this extremist group.”

At the same time, Mullen said Pakistanis have concerns vis-à-vis India on the eastern border.

“They’re still very concerned about India. That’s not going to go away overnight and we’re not going to wish that away.”

Mullen, who has made several trips to the region, said al-Qaeda militant leaders hiding along Pakistan-Afghanistan border pose a threat to the United States and its allies.

He said, although the terrorist threat has been rendered a little off balance, following recent anti-militant actions, the U.S. and its allies should continue to pressure terrorists.