After the heat,Hillary turns on warmth: Pak struggles my struggles

Likening US-Pak relations to that between friends and family,Clinton said her country recognises the “central role” that Pakistan is playing for stability in the region. “Pakistan is close to my heart. Pakistan’s struggles are my struggles and I am committed to the success of this (strategic) dialogue,” she said.

In his opening remarks,Qureshi,who is leading the Pak delegation that includes Army Chief Gen Ashfaq Kayani,said: “Pakistan seeks peaceful resolution to all issues in South Asia,including Kashmir. We hope the US will maintain its constructive engagement to encourage this process.”

He sought to underline the importance of Pakistan in the fight against terrorism and extremism as he pitched for enhanced partnership with the US in a whole range of issues,including energy.

Qureshi submitted a new weapon wishlist to the US looking for big ticket systems. The 56-page wishlist submitted to the Obama Administration mostly seeks equipment that can bring the country on par with India’s military might.

Post 9/11,Pakistan has received more than $7 billion worth of arms sale from the US,authoritative sources said. Some of the major defence supplies provided,or soon to be provided,under the Foreign Military Financing include:

* Eight P-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft and their refurbishment (valued at $474 million);

* Five 250 TOW anti-armour missile systems ($186 million);

* More than 5,600 military radio sets ($163 million);

* Six AN/TPS-77 surveillance radars ($100 million);

* Six C-130E transport aircraft and their refurbishment ($76 million);

* Five refurbished SH-2I Super Seasprite maritime helicopters ($67 million);

* One ex-Oliver Hazard Perry class missile frigate ($65 million);

* 20 AH-1F Cobra attack helicopters ($48 million,12 refurbished and delivered);

* 121 refurbished TOW missile launchers ($25 million).

Under Coalition Support Funds (part of the Pentagon budget),Pakistan has received 26 Bell 412 utility helicopters,along with related parts and maintenance,valued at $235 million.

One significant aspect of today’s opening ceremony ahead of the talks was the unique seating arrangement. Unlike in routine bilateral talks where both delegations sit across the table separately,it was the intermingling of the seating arrangements that caught the media’s attention. Kayani,for instance,was seated in between US Defence Secretary Robert Gates and Admiral Mike Mullen,Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff. — PTI