LAHORE, Aug 1: American Ambassador Anne W. Patterson has said that the United States has no intention to carry out a military operation inside the tribal areas of Pakistan. “Washington will continue supporting Islamabad in the war on terror. The US and Pakistan are partners in this war. The US aid to Pakistan has not been stopped and it will continue,” she told newsmen during a visit here to the Badshahi Mosque.

She said her government wanted to provide better education, health and other facilities in the tribal areas and certain projects were currently under way in the Federally Administrated Tribal Areas (Fata).

Ambassador Patterson stressed the US had no problem with Islam, which is the second largest religion in her country. “Our fight is only with those from any faith who attempt to misuse religion to justify violence or terrorism for political ends. No religion tolerates, promotes, advocates or approves the use of terrorism or violence,” she added.