US Defence Secretary Robert Gates has arrived in Pakistan for a two-day visit.

His objective is to convince Islamabad of the United States’ long-term commitment to the country. He has warned Pakistan that Taliban enclaves along the border with Afghanistan have to be attacked to prevent terrorism.

Last year, Islamabad launched a number of offensives against the Taliban within its own borders. The country is under increasing pressure from the Americans to tackle Taliban units which are operating in Afghanistan but sheltering in the Pakistani border region.

Up until now Pakistan has refused to do so, saying it has its hands full and is not willing to open a new front.

Photo: US Defence Secretary Robert Gates - Flickr/Jim Greenhill