NEW YORK, Aug 9: Following severe criticism of his remarks on Pakistan and President Pervez Musharraf, US Senator Barack Obama said on Wednesday that “President Musharraf has a very difficult job, and it is important that we are a constructive ally with them in dealing with Al Qaeda”.

Mr Obama told reporters in Oakland, California: “At the same time, we can’t send millions and millions of dollars to Pakistan for military aid, and be a constant ally to them, and yet not see more aggressive action in dealing with Al Qaeda.”

Senator Obama, who was criticised for declaring in a foreign policy speech last week “if we have actionable intelligence about high-value terrorist targets and President Musharraf won’t act, we will”, on Wednesday defended the Pakistani leader and said it was important that America maintained strong relations with him.

Mr Obama’s statement about Pakistan last week were defended by many foreign policy experts but questioned by several of his rivals who said he should not have made the remark publicly. The Pakistani government also slammed the remarks, saying these upset Pakistani people.

At a Chicago meeting, Senator Hilary Clinton advised Mr Obama: “You can think big, but remember, you shouldn’t always say everything you think if you’re running for president, because it has consequences around the world.”

Chicago is Obama’s hometown, and Hillary Clinton’s statement drew boos. The New York senator responded: “We don’t need that right now.”

Senator Chris Dodd of Rhode Island joined Ms Clinton in criticising Senator Obama. He said Obama’s stance could undermine President Musharraf.