WASHINGTON, July 22: The White House has absolved Pakistan from any responsibility in the London bombings and stressed that Pakistan is a “great ally” in the war against terrorism. Hours after a second wave of bombing shook London on Thursday, White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan told reporters: “Pakistan is a great ally in the war on terrorism. And Pakistan recognises the threat from terrorists. They have seen that on their own soil.”

He was asked at a regular briefing if the US thought that Pakistan was not doing enough to weed out terrorists on their home turf.

“We have certainly seen it on our own soil here at home. And we are working very closely with Pakistan in the global war on terrorism and in going after members of Al Qaeda and the Taliban who continue to live in the border region. And the Afghan authorities are working with us; the Pakistani authorities are working with us,” Mr McClellan said.

Asked if the US believed that Pakistan needed additional US assistance to fight terrorists, the White House spokesman said: “There’s more that we can all do to continue to go after those who seek to carry out attacks on innocent civilians.”