US repeats 'do more' call for Pakistan

It said violent groups were posing a significant threat to US forces in Afghanistan. The United States have lately been putting the reponsibility for safety of their troops on the Pakistani armed forces, with Pakistan saying that even such thoughts are unfounded.A top Pentagon official has warned that Washington would consider a range of options if Islamabad does not address these concerns.It is Pakistans responsibility to prevent attacks from its territory on others, including Afghanistan and our forces there, Mark Lippert said in his testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee during his confirmation hearing for the post of the Assistant Secretary of Defence for Asian and Pacific Security Affairs.If Pakistan does not address these threats, the United States will have to consider a range of options, but it is best when we have Pakistans cooperation, he told lawmakers in a written response to the question asked to him.The ability of violent extremist groups to find support and safe haven in Pakistan poses a significant threat to US forces, the NATO mission, and the long term stability of Afghanistan, he said, adding that attacks against US and coalition personnel are unacceptable.Noting that Pakistan has legitimate concerns that should be understood and addressed by the Afghan Government in any process to bring about a stable and durable political solution in Afghanistan, he said at the same time Pakistan also has responsibilities of its own, including taking decisive steps to ensure that the Afghan Taliban and affiliated groups cannot continue to conduct the insurgency from its territory.