WASHINGTON, March 31: The United States has praised President Pervez Musharraf’s efforts in the fight against terrorism.

White House Deputy Press Secretary Dana Perino stated at a briefing that President Bush believed that General Musharraf was working very hard in order to defeat terror.

Meanwhile, a senior USAID official said the US focused on countries like Pakistan, that were on the cusp of transitioning to self-sustenance in economic and other areas and “that, with continuing progress, can serve as anchors for regional stability and prosperity.” USAID director of foreign assistance and administrator Ran-dall L. Tobias said funding to South and Central Asia increased by six per cent in the FY 2008.—APP