Pakistan’s Role in Fighting Terror Under Review

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• JIM LEHRER:

  Pakistan's role in fighting terror was a prime topic today, both in Pakistan and at the White House. There were also complaints from some Pakistanis about American meddling.

  Judy Woodruff begins our lead story report.

• JUDY WOODRUFF:

  Assorted complaints from Pakistan came as their troops readied the latest in a series of offensives this year against the Taliban and al-Qaida. It could be the most important operation yet: targeting South Waziristan, the major base for thousands of militants on the Afghan border.

  But as the troops prepare, Pakistani military leaders meeting in Rawalpindi voiced serious concern about an aid bill approved by the U.S. Congress. The bill was sponsored by Senators John Kerry and Richard Lugar and still awaits President Obama's signature.

  It includes $7.5 billion over the next five years mostly for democratic, economic and social development programs. But military aid could be withheld if the U.S. deems the Pakistanis are not doing enough to fight terrorists.

  A number of opposition lawmakers in Pakistan's parliament joined the military's objections, saying the aid amounts to intrusion in their affairs. In Washington, State Department spokesman Ian Kelly defended U.S. intentions in offering the aid.

• IAN KELLY:

  We see it as a means for helping Pakistan meet this common threat to our two societies. And the reason we say a partnership is because a modern and effective Pakistani military is in our interests, as well as Pakistan.

• JUDY WOODRUFF:

  At a forum in Washington, Pakistan's foreign minister, Shah Mehmood Qureshi, expressed thanks for the aid and played down criticism back in his country. But he also said the U.S. has to trust Pakistan more as a partner.

• SHAH MEHMOOD QURESHI:

  If you keep doubting our intentions and we keep doubting your intentions, then where is this partnership going? We have come — this government has come to — you know, to add a new chapter of our relationship, a long-term partnership with the United States that supports democracy, that supports, you know, freedom of expression, that supports, you know, investment in people.

• JUDY WOODRUFF:

  Later, at the Pentagon, spokesman Geoff Morrell paid tribute to what the Pakistanis have accomplished since their initial offensive last spring.

• GEOFF MORRELL:

  The results that the Pakistani military are having on the ground, particularly in the Swat Valley and in their operations in Waziristan, are proof of the fact that they have a renewed commitment and focus and capability in dealing with the threats within their midst.

• JUDY WOODRUFF:

  This afternoon's White House security session focused in part on that Pakistani commitment, as President Obama reconsiders U.S. strategy in the region.

• JIM LEHRER:

  Margaret Warner has more.