Al-Qaeda continues to operate from Pakistani tribal area: US general

"Long-standing tensions between Pakistan and India also threaten regional stability as both states have substantial military forces arrayed along their borders and the disputed Kashmir Line of Control," General Lloyd J Austin, Commander of the US Central Command noted in his testimony before House Armed Services Committee this week.

He added that the US face a host of challenges in Pakistan that have long hindered the efforts of the Pakistan government to fight terrorism and America's ability to provide needed assistance.

"Central to Pakistan's struggles is its poor economy and burgeoning "youth bulge." Given these conditions, radicalism is on the rise in settled areas and threatens increased militant activity and insurgency in parts of Pakistan where the sway of the state traditionally has been the strongest," he said.

"At the same time, terrorist attacks and ethno-sectarian violence threaten the government's tenuous control over some areas. Further compounding these internal challenges are Pakistan's strained relationships with its neighbours," he added.

It is important to mention that dialogue process between government of Pakistan and banned terrorist group Taliban has been reached at next stage where direct talks would be possible between the two sides next week.