Pakistan's Foreign Ministry says only Pakistan, and not a foreignmilitary, has responsibility for acting against terrorists within thenation's borders.

The comment came a day after reporters askedthe top U.S. military official whether U.S. forces have authority to goafter al-Qaida and Taliban leaders in Pakistan's tribal areas withoutPakistani permission.  

Admiral Mike Mullen replied that has"all the authorities" he needs if there is reliable information aboutthe presence of al-Qaida or Taliban leaders.

Nawaz Sharif, 11 Jun 2008

In other news,former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has rebuked a top U.S.State Department official for saying Pakistan should focus onterrorism, food prices and power shortages rather than on PresidentPervez Musharraf.

In comments to reporters Thursday, Sharif saidthat what Pakistan has to do with "an unconstitutional president" is aninternal affair, and there is no need for any foreign advice.

OnWednesday, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Richard Boucher said inIslamabad that Pakistan should focus on issues more important than thefuture of Mr. Musharraf.

Also Thursday, Britain has pledged $955million in development aid to Pakistan over the next fiveyears. The aid increase was announced by British Secretary of State forInternational Development Douglas Alexander during a meeting withofficials in Islamabad.

Some information for this report was provided by AFP, and Reuters.