WASHINGTON, May 14: The Bush administration is seeking funds from the Congress for programmes aimed at strengthening judiciary in Pakistan, Assistant Secretary of State Richard Boucher told a congressional panel on Wednesday.

In a written testimony before the House Subcommittee on South Asia, Mr Boucher said the US administration has worked closely with Pakistan, “focusing our assistance on helping the country make a smooth transition to elected government.”

He noted that the recent election outcome in Pakistan illustrated the Pakistani people’s commitment to democracy and their choosing of a government comprised of moderate political parties also demonstrates a desire to reject violent extremists.

“The United States must help the Pakistani people seize the opportunities that these successful elections now present,” said Mr Boucher, pointing out that budget requests for 2009 supplemental will fund democracy and governance programmes, including programmes that seek to strengthen the judiciary.

The Bush administration’s base budget requests for 2009 include $283 million for health and $222 million for education in South Asia.