US President Barack Obama's top spokesman Robert Gibbs smiles during a press briefing at the White House in Washington, DC.—AFP

WASHINGTON: The United States on Wednesday said its commitment to helping Pakistan root out violent extremism would not waver, following the assassination of the governor of Punjab province.

The White House added its voice to condolences offered to the family of Governor Salman Taseer on Tuesday by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

“This is an individual who had worked hard to promote tolerance and his loss is a great one for Pakistan,” said White House spokesman Robert Gibbs.

“We remain committed to the efforts that the Pakistani government is (taking) and must undertake to root out violent extremism and to bring greater peace and stability to that country and to that region of the world.

On Tuesday, Clinton said she had admired Taseer’s work to promote tolerance and education and described his death as a “great loss.”

Taseer was killed by a bodyguard who opposed his criticism of blasphemy laws, officials said.