Under Kayani Pak has taken strongest action against extremists: US

"During General Kayani's tenure as the chief of staff, Pakistan has, in fact, taken the most aggressive action it's ever taken against extremist elements within its borders.We want to see that continue," State Department spokesman P J Crowley told reporters at his daily news briefing.

"We continue our conversations with Pakistani officials on how best to accomplish these things which are, we believe, in our shared interest," he said.

The State Department statement on General Kayani assumes significance in the wake of the massive leaks of classified US documents on the war on terror which reveals the links between the terrorist organisations and the ISI, when Kayani headed this intelligence outfit.

US considers Kayani, which has kept the Pak Army away from politics in Pakistan, as the most important ally as its war against terror enters a crucial phase in Afghanistan and Pakistan.Top US military officials make frequent contacts with Kayani.