Clinton says working for Pakistan trade boost

TOKYO: US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton Sunday said that the future of Afghanistan was in the hands of the people over there and added that the donors’ contributions would be spent on the re-construction and saving Afghns from terrorism.

Addressing a joint press conference along with the Japanese foreign minister, US Secretary of State said, "Afghanistan's security cannot only be measured by the absence of war, it has to be measured by whether people have jobs and economic opportunity, whether they believe their government is serving their needs, whether political reconciliation proceeds and succeeds."

Hillary Clinton said that talks with Pakistan foreign minister have been positive. Following restoration of Nato supply, the challenges confronting both the countries were discussed. She said that the Afghan reconciliation matter also came under discussion.

US Secretary of State further said that her country was working on the formula for boosting trade for Pakistan instead of aid. She said Pakistan supports the underway peace process in Afghanistan and wanted peaceful transition of power there. She said Pakistan was engaged in key war against terrorism.