KARACHI, July 3: The US Consul General in Karachi, Mr Douglas Rohn, has praised the contribution of Pakistan in the war against international terrorism. “America has to be grateful for the courageous and unflagging support of Pakistan’s armed forces in the war against terrorism,” Mr Rohn said on Sunday evening at a reception he gave at his residence to mark the 229th anniversary of American independence.

Sindh Chief Minister Dr Arbab Ghulam Rahim, leaders of various political parties, members of the national and provincial assemblies, business dignitaries and prominent personalities attended the reception.

Mr Rohn referred to the recently concluded ‘Inspired Union 2005’ exercise of the navies of the two countries and said that the two forces had developed “a close, continuing and effective relationship”.

Mr Rohn also spoke about the American companies operating in Pakistan and said these were “integral part of Pakistan’s economy providing some 20,000 jobs directly and about half a million indirectly”.

“The US businesses are increasingly interested in investing in Pakistan,” he said, adding that he was confident the number of such companies as well as the value of their contribution to Pakistan’s economic development would grow.